New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 18:21

The Greatest and the Lost

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Matthew 18:21 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 18:21, in plain English

Peter asks Jesus a very human question — how many times do I really have to forgive someone who keeps hurting me?

Why it's here

After hearing about handling conflict in the community, Peter wants a practical number he can work with.

Who's speaking

Peter is speaking to Jesus, and honestly, he's asking the question all of us want answered.

Where it sits in the story

Peter thought he was being generous by offering to forgive seven times. He's about to find out Jesus has a completely different scale in mind.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Peter proposes forgiving a brother up to seven times, likely thinking himself generous since rabbinic tradition typically suggested three times (based on Amos 1-2).

Language and setting

Peter's question transitions the discourse from communal discipline to the nature of personal forgiveness.

Voice

Peter addresses Jesus, seeking a numerical limit on the duty to forgive.

Significance

Peter, perhaps feeling magnanimous, doubles the rabbinic standard and adds one. His question sets up Jesus' radical redefinition of forgiveness.

In context

Matthew 18:19–23

19Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.

20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

23Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Read all of Matthew 18 — Who is the greatest? A child. What matters most? The one who wandered off. Forgiveness isn't optional — it's the air the kingdom breathes.

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