Matthew 18:23-35
18:24 a millions of dollars (Greek 10,000 talents): The talent was the highest unit of currency, but its value fluctuated. The debt was clearly impossible to pay—this amount exceeded the tax revenue of all Galilee.18:26 b I will pay it all: The exaggerated debt and the slave’s promise amplify the greatness of the king’s mercy and the slave’s unforgiving attitude (18:29-30 c).
18:28 d a few thousand dollars: The first servant’s debt was about one million times greater than this sum owed to him.
18:34 e This is how God responds (18:35 f) to anyone unwilling to forgive.
• until he had paid his entire debt: I.e., permanently, because he could never repay.
18:35 g That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you: Prison and torture (18:34 h) is thus a metaphor for hell (see 5:22 i).
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