Because of thisThis phrase connects the parable to the preceding discussion on forgiveness and humility. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of Jesus' teachings on forgiveness, as seen in
Matthew 18:21-22, where Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness.
the kingdom of heaven
This term refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both in the present spiritual sense and the future physical manifestation. It is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, highlighting the values and principles of God's kingdom, which often contrast with worldly values.
is like a king
The king in the parable represents God, who is sovereign and just. Kingship imagery is common in Scripture, illustrating authority, judgment, and the responsibility of rulers. This aligns with Old Testament depictions of God as King, such as inPsalm 47:7-8.
who wanted to settle accounts
This phrase indicates a time of reckoning or judgment. In biblical times, settling accounts was a common practice, reflecting the need for accountability and justice. It parallels the final judgment, where God will hold individuals accountable for their actions, as seen inRomans 14:12.
with his servants
Servants in this context represent believers or those under God's authority. The relationship between a king and his servants illustrates the dynamic between God and humanity, emphasizing obedience, stewardship, and the expectation of faithfulness. This is echoed in other parables, such as the Parable of the Talents inMatthew 25:14-30.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Kingdom of HeavenRepresents God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled. In this parable, it serves as the backdrop for understanding divine justice and mercy.
2.
The KingSymbolizes God, who is just and merciful. The king's actions in the parable reflect God's approach to justice and forgiveness.
3.
The ServantsRepresent humanity, specifically those who are accountable to God. The servants' debts illustrate the moral and spiritual debts humans owe to God.
4.
Settling AccountsThis event signifies the time of judgment or reckoning, where individuals must account for their actions and debts before God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine Justice and MercyThe parable illustrates that God's kingdom operates on principles of justice and mercy. Believers are called to reflect these attributes in their lives.
The Weight of SinJust as the servant's debt was insurmountable, our sins create a debt we cannot repay on our own. This highlights the need for God's grace.
The Call to ForgivenessAs recipients of God's mercy, we are called to extend forgiveness to others. This is a central tenet of Christian living.
Accountability Before GodThe parable reminds us that we will all stand before God to give an account of our lives. This should inspire us to live righteously and seek reconciliation with others.
The Transformative Power of GraceExperiencing God's forgiveness should transform our hearts and lead us to live in a way that honors Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 18:23?
2.How does Matthew 18:23 illustrate God's kingdom principles of forgiveness and mercy?
3.What can we learn about God's justice from Matthew 18:23?
4.How does Matthew 18:23 connect with the Lord's Prayer on forgiveness?
5.How should Matthew 18:23 influence our approach to forgiving others?
6.What practical steps can we take to embody the servant's humility in Matthew 18:23?
7.What does Matthew 18:23 reveal about God's view on forgiveness and mercy?
8.How does the parable in Matthew 18:23 challenge our understanding of justice?
9.What historical context is essential to fully grasp Matthew 18:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18?
11.Who seeks justice with deep longing and desire?
12.Is withholding forgiveness supported by the Bible?
13.How often should we forgive others?
14.What lessons do Jesus' parables teach us?What Does Matthew 18:23 Mean
Because of this“Because of this” reaches back to Peter’s question about how many times he must forgive (Matthew 18:21–22). Jesus has just said forgiveness must be lavish—“seventy-seven times.” The parable that follows is His explanation.
• The phrase ties the teaching on forgiveness directly to the story that begins in verse 23.
• It signals cause and effect: since boundless forgiveness is required, here is what the kingdom looks like when that principle is at work.
• Similar linking phrases appear inLuke 7:47, where forgiveness is illustrated through a debtor story, and inMatthew 13:13, where Jesus explains why He teaches in parables.
the kingdom of heaven is likeJesus is not describing a distant realm but God’s present reign breaking into human lives (Matthew 4:17).
• Parables open a window on how God rules and how His people are to live under that rule (Matthew 13:24, 31, 33).
• The comparison invites listeners to place themselves inside the story and respond (Mark 4:24).
• Other “kingdom of heaven is like” parables—such as the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13:24–30) and the net (Matthew 13:47–50)—also center on accountability and final reckoning.
a kingThe king points unmistakably to God Himself. Scripture repeatedly presents God as King, perfectly just and sovereign (Psalm 47:7;1 Timothy 6:15).
• A king possesses full authority to demand an accounting and to dispense mercy.
• By using royal imagery, Jesus underlines both majesty and personal involvement. As inMatthew 22:2, the king is not aloof; he engages directly with his subjects.
• This image prepares the listener to feel the weight of the servant’s debt and the wonder of the king’s compassion.
who wanted to settle accounts“Settle accounts” speaks of evaluation, audit, judgment.
• Every debt is brought to light—nothing overlooked.Romans 14:12 affirms, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God”.
• The phrase underscores divine holiness. God’s grace never cancels His right to call for truthfulness (2 Corinthians 5:10).
•Revelation 20:12 pictures the ultimate settling of accounts at the great white throne, reinforcing the seriousness of Jesus’ illustration.
with his servantsThe servants represent all who owe God—every human being. In the immediate context, they especially picture believers called to extend the forgiveness they have received.
• Scripture labels God’s people “servants” (Matthew 25:21;Luke 17:10), highlighting both privilege and responsibility.
• Though under authority, they are not strangers; the king deals with them personally, reflecting the closeness seen inJohn 15:15 where Jesus calls His disciples “friends.”
• Their status intensifies the lesson: forgiven servants must become forgiving servants (Ephesians 4:32).
summaryMatthew 18:23 opens a parable that shows the kingdom’s culture of radical forgiveness. Because unbounded mercy is the Father’s nature, life under His reign involves both accountability and astonishing grace. God the King calls every servant to stand before Him, exposes the true debt of sin, cancels that debt through His own compassion, and then expects His forgiven people to mirror His heart toward others.
(23)
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened. . .--Over and above the direct teaching of the parable it has the interest, as regards its form, of being, in some sense, an advance on those of chapter 13,
i.e., as more fully bringing out human interests, and so more after the pattern of those that are characteristic of St. Luke.
Verses 23-35. -
Christ illustrates his precept by the parable of the unmerciful servant, and the stern lesson which he himself enunciates at its close.
Verse 23. -
Therefore;
i.
e. because such is the infinite nature of the pardon to be meted out to an offending brother.
The kingdom of heaven. The rule observed in the government of Christ's kingdom with regard to forgiveness is represented by the procedure of a certain earthly king. The picture supposes some great Oriental potentate, with numerous viceroys or satraps, who have to render to him an account of revenues received. These are called
servants in the sense that, though they are high officials, they are the monarch's subordinates and dependents. Both Herodotus and Xenophon apply the term "slave" (
δοῦλος) to the great officers of state. Immense sums of money would pass through their hands. This accounts for the enormous debt of the officer in the parable. Webster and Wilkinson compare the East India Company's collectors, who are high civil
servants of the company, that is, now, of the government. If we regard the parable in a general light, as illustrating God's dealings with sinful man, we must see in the "taking account of his servants," not the judgment of the last day, but those many occasions when God makes a man turn his eyes inward and learn how he stands in the sight of his Lord. Such occasions are sickness, misfortune, great change of circumstances, a new year, reproach of conscience, however aroused, - these and such like incidents awaken a man to his true position, show him his delinquencies and misery.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Because ofΔιὰ(Dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.this,τοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.kingdomβασιλεία(basileia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932:From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.ofτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.heavenοὐρανῶν(ouranōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.is likeὡμοιώθη(hōmoiōthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3666:To make like, liken; I compare. From homoios; to assimilate, i.e. Compare; passively, to become similar.a kingβασιλεῖ(basilei)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935:A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.whoὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.wantedἠθέλησεν(ēthelēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309:To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.to settleσυνᾶραι(synarai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4868:To compare (settle) accounts, make a reckoning. From sun and airo; to make up together, i.e. to compute.accountsλόγον(logon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.withμετὰ(meta)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.servants.δούλων(doulōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401:(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 18:23 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like (Matt. Mat Mt) 
