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Matthew 18:23-35

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished ^ato settle accounts with his servants. ^{▼

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Greek bondservants; also verses 28, 31} 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ^cten thousand ^dtalents. ^{▼

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A talent was a monetary unit worth about twenty years’ wages for a laborer} 25 ^fAnd since he could not pay, his master ordered him ^gto be sold, with his wife and ^hchildren and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant ^{▼

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Greek bondservant; also verses 27, 28, 29, 32, 33} ^jfell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and ^kforgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred ^ldenarii ^{▼

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A denarius was a day’s wage for a laborer} and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 ⁿAnd should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 ^oAnd in anger his master delivered him to the jailers ^{▼

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Greek torturers} ^quntil he should pay all his debt. 35 ^rSo also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother ^sfrom your heart.”