Matthew 18:25
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
وَإذْ لَمْ يَكُنْ يَمْلِكُ مَا يَسُدُّ بِهِ الدَّينَ، قَرَّرَ السَّيِّدُ أنْ يُبَاعَ المَديُونُ مَعَ زَوْجَتِهِ وَأطْفَالِهِ وَكُلِّ مَا يَمْلِكُهُ، وَأنْ يُستَخْدَمَ الثَّمَنُ لِسَدَادِ الدَّينِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse tells the story of a servant who owed his lord a large sum of money that he couldn't repay, so as punishment, the lord ordered everything and everyone he owned to be sold to cover the debt. The speaker is narrating from Matthew’s Gospel.
Explained for Children
Imagine you borrowed some cookies from your friend but couldn’t return them because you ate them all up. Your friend then said you had to give away all of your toys as a way to make it up. This verse talks about something similar, but much bigger and sadder.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this Gospel around 80-90 AD for the early Jewish-Christian community. The story reflects Roman law and societal norms where debt could lead to extreme consequences, including selling family members into slavery.
Living It Out Today
Today, if a friend borrows money from you and can't pay back due to financial hardship, consider forgiving or restructuring the loan rather than demanding harsh repayment terms that might hurt them further. This reflects the compassion and mercy taught in this story.
Topics
forgivenessdebt and debtorsmercyfinancial responsibilityjudgmentcompassion
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of this verse?
The main message is about the severe consequences of unpayable debt, reflecting a societal context where such situations could lead to drastic measures against the debtor.
How does Matthew 18:25 relate to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?
This verse sets up a contrast in the story that follows; it shows how not forgiving can lead to extreme and harsh consequences, contrasting with later verses that teach mercy and forgiveness.
What was the typical punishment for debtors in Roman times?
In Roman society, severe punishments included selling the debtor into slavery or auctioning their property and family members, as described here to cover unpaid debts.
How can we apply this verse's message to our modern lives?
We can apply it by showing mercy in financial dealings, understanding that people's circumstances vary greatly, and considering compassion over strict repayment demands when possible.