The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

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

²² Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

²³ “Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴ When he began to settle the accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.^{[a] 25} But since he was not able to pay, his master ordered that he be sold with his wife, their children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

²⁶ “So the servant fell on his knees, pleading with him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ ²⁷ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

²⁸ “But that same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.^[b] He laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe.’

²⁹ “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and entreated him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’

³⁰ “But he would not and went and threw him in prison until he should pay the debt. ³¹ So when his fellow servants saw what took place, they were very sorry and went and told their master all that had taken place.

³² “Then his master, after he had summoned him, said to him, ‘O you wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. ³³ Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you?’ ³⁴ His master was angry and delivered him to the jailers until he should pay all his debt.

³⁵ “So also My heavenly Father will do to each of you, if from your heart you do not forgive your brother for his trespasses.”