Matthew 18:29

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 18:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee.
Matthew 18:29 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, etc.] In the most humble and submissive manner, just as he himself had done a little before at the feet of his Lord: and besought him, saying, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all; using the very same words, in which he had expressed himself to his Lord, and had succeeded.”
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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
“And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all--The same attitude, and the sam words which drew compassion from his master, are here employed towards himself by his fellow servant.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants which owed him an hundred pence - Greek, δεναριον denarion; Latin, denarius; a Roman silver coin in common use. When Greece became subject to the Romans, and especially under the emperors, the denarius was regarded as of equal value with the Attic drachma - about 7 1/2 d. sterling, or 15 cents (circa 1880’s); consequently, this debt was about 15 dollars - a very small sum compared with what had been forgiven to the first servant. Perhaps our Saviour, by this, meant to teach that the offences which our fellow-men commit against us are very small and insignificant compared with our offences against God. Since God has forgiven…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Have: Mat 18:26, Mat 6:12; Plm 1:18, Plm 1:19 Matthew 18:30”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification