Matthew 18:27

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 18:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
Matthew 18:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, etc.] Or had compassion on him, showed pity to him, and extended mercy towards him; not that he was moved hereunto by any actions of his, as his prostrating himself before him, and his worshipping him, nor by his cries and entreaties, nor by his promises, which were not at all to be depended on, but by his own goodness, and will; for not to anything that this man said, or did, nor to any deserts of his, but to the pure mercy, and free grace of God, is to be ascribed what is after related: and loosed him; from obligation to punishment, and from a spirit of bondage, through the guilt of sin, and work of the law upon his conscience: and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt--Payment being hopeless, the master is first moved with compassion; next, liberates his debtor from prison; and then cancels the debt freely.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The lord of that servant was moved with compassion ... - He had pity on him. He saw his distressed condition. He pitied his family. He forgave him the whole debt. This represents the mercy of God to people. “They have sinned.” They owe to God more than can be paid. They are about to be cast off; but God has mercy on them, and, in connection with their prayers, forgives them. We are not to interpret the circumstances of a parable too strictly. The illustration taken from selling the wife and children Matthew 18:25 is not to be taken literally, as if God would punish a man for the sins of his father; but it is a circumstance thrown in to keep up the story - to make it consistent - to explain…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“moved: Jdg 10:16; Neh 9:17; Psa 78:38, Psa 86:5, Psa 86:15, Psa 145:8; Hos 11:8 Matthew 18:28”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification