In Matthew 18:21–22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive not just seven times, but either “seventy-seven times” or “seventy times seven,” depending on your Bible translation. While the number varies (77 vs. 490), the message is clear—Jesus is calling us to forgive without limits. This wasn’t about doing math; it was about transforming how we see and practice forgiveness. Jesus challenged Peter—and all of us—to stop keeping score and instead reflect God’s endless mercy.
Understanding this passage means looking at the original Greek, the context of Peter’s question, and Jesus’ follow-up parable about the unforgiving servant. It also helps to compare translations and explore how this ties back to the Old Testament. Whether you’re confused by the number or just want to understand how to forgive like Jesus, this deeper dive will give you clarity and practical insight. Keep reading to unpack what Jesus really meant—and how it changes everything about how we forgive.
If you’ve ever read Matthew 18:21–22 and wondered whether Jesus said we should forgive 70 times 7 or 77 times, you’re not alone. Different Bible translations say different things, and that can be confusing. Did Jesus mean 490 times? Or just 77? And more importantly—what’s the point of the number at all?
Let’s break it down clearly, look at what the Bible actually says, explore the context, and get to the heart of Jesus’ message on forgiveness.
What Does Matthew 18:21–22 Say?
Here’s the passage in question, from the English Standard Version (ESV):
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
— Matthew 18:21–22 (ESV)
Now here’s the same passage from the New King James Version (NKJV):
“Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
— Matthew 18:22 (NKJV)
See the difference? One says seventy-seven, the other says seventy times seven (which equals 490). That raises an obvious question…
So Which Is It—77 or 490?
1. The Greek Text Behind It
The original Greek phrase used here is:
“ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά” (hebdomekontakis hepta)
This literally means “seventy times seven.” But the phrase can be interpreted either as:
- 70 times 7 = 490
- 70 and 7 = 77
The Greek language doesn’t always make mathematical distinctions the way English does. Some scholars argue that Jesus meant 490 to exaggerate the number, while others say 77 was the intended number.
2. The Old Testament Connection
Here’s where it gets interesting. Jesus may be referencing Genesis 4:24, where Lamech says:
“If Cain is avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”
In Greek (the Septuagint), that verse uses the exact same wording as Matthew 18:22.
So Jesus may have deliberately echoed this verse—not to suggest vengeance like Lamech, but to flip it on its head and promote radical forgiveness.
That makes a strong case that Jesus meant seventy-seven times, not 490.
Why Does the Number Matter?
Here’s the truth: it probably doesn’t matter whether Jesus said 77 or 490. The point isn’t the math—it’s the mindset.
Peter thought he was being generous by offering to forgive someone seven times. Jewish tradition in the time of Jesus (based on interpretations from the prophet Amos) taught that forgiving someone three times was sufficient. So Peter had doubled that and added one.
Jesus blows that completely out of the water. Whether He said 77 or 490, both mean the same thing:
Keep forgiving. Don’t count.
It’s not about keeping score—it’s about embracing a lifestyle of forgiveness that mirrors God’s mercy toward us.
Why Forgiveness Was So Radical in Jesus’ Teaching
To really grasp what Jesus was doing here, you need to look at how He immediately followed this statement with a parable.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35)
In this story, Jesus describes a servant who owed his master 10,000 talents—an impossible debt (worth billions today). The master forgives it. But then that same servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owed him just 100 denarii (about 3 months’ wages).
The point? God has forgiven us a debt we could never repay. In light of that, how can we withhold forgiveness from others for their much smaller offenses?
Key Takeaways: What Jesus Really Meant
Let’s make this super clear.
1. The Number Was Symbolic
- Whether it’s 77 or 490, Jesus used a number to illustrate limitless forgiveness.
- The number isn’t a cap; it’s a call to stop counting.
2. It’s About Imitating God
- God forgives us freely, fully, and repeatedly.
- We’re expected to do the same—not because people deserve it, but because we’ve been forgiven first.
3. Forgiveness Is a Command, Not a Suggestion
Jesus didn’t say, “If you feel like it, forgive.” He said:
“If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
— Matthew 6:15
Different Translations—Why the Confusion?
Bible translations vary for several reasons:
- Linguistic ambiguity in the original Greek.
- Translation philosophy—some aim for word-for-word (like NASB), others go thought-for-thought (like NIV).
- Old Testament references—as we saw with Genesis 4:24.
Here’s how some major translations handle Matthew 18:22:
| Translation | Wording Used |
| ESV | seventy-seven times |
| NIV | seventy-seven times |
| NKJV | seventy times seven |
| NASB | seventy-seven times |
| KJV | seventy times seven |
Final Thoughts: Forgive Like Jesus
At the end of the day, whether Jesus said “forgive 70 times 7” or “forgive 77 times,” His meaning is clear:
Don’t limit your forgiveness. Keep going.
The call is to forgive repeatedly, just as God does with us. And that’s not always easy—but it’s powerful, healing, and Christlike.
So if you’re struggling to forgive, you’re not alone. But you are invited to step into the freedom that comes when you let go of offense and trust God with justice.
Quick Recap
- Did Jesus say 70×7 or 77? Probably 77, but it doesn’t matter—the point is to forgive without limit.
- Why? Because God forgave us first.
- Where’s this from? Matthew 18:21–22 and the parable that follows.
- How should you respond? Don’t count—just forgive.
If this cleared things up for you, share it with someone else who’s wrestling with forgiveness. And remember: forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s freedom.
Let Jesus’ example shape your response, every time.
FAQs: “Forgive 70 Times 7” or 77 Times? Understanding Jesus’ Message in Matthew 18:21-22
1. What does “forgive 70 times 7” mean in Matthew 18:21–22?
In Matthew 18:21–22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive not just seven times, but “seventy times seven.” This phrase means forgiveness should be limitless—not literally 490 times, but without keeping count.
2. Did Jesus say “forgive 70 times 7” or “forgive 77 times”?
Some translations (like the NKJV) say “70 times 7”, while others (like the ESV and NIV) say “77 times.” The original Greek allows for either reading. Regardless, the point is the same: keep forgiving.
3. Why is there a difference between Bible translations on this verse?
The Greek phrase “ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά” can be interpreted as either “seventy-seven” or “seventy times seven.” Translation differences reflect how each version handles the ambiguity.
4. Is forgiving 490 times literal or symbolic?
It’s symbolic. Jesus wasn’t giving a number to track. Whether 77 or 490, the number means you should forgive as often as necessary, without limits.
5. What’s the context of Jesus saying “forgive 70 times 7”?
Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive someone—suggesting seven times. Jesus replied with an exaggerated number (77 or 490) to emphasize boundless forgiveness.
6. Is “forgive 70 times 7” connected to the Old Testament?
Yes. Jesus likely referenced Genesis 4:24, where Lamech says vengeance should be seventy-sevenfold. Jesus flips that idea, turning revenge into radical forgiveness.
7. What lesson did Jesus want to teach in Matthew 18:21–22?
That forgiveness isn’t optional or limited. If God forgives our enormous sins, we’re expected to forgive others continually, just like He does.
8. Does forgiving mean I have to allow repeated harm?
No. Forgiveness doesn’t mean accepting abuse or refusing to set boundaries. It’s about letting go of resentment, not staying in toxic relationships.
9. How can I forgive someone who keeps hurting me?
Start with a decision, even if your emotions aren’t there yet. Ask God for help. Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time feeling.
10. Why does Jesus tie our forgiveness to forgiving others?
Because it reflects the heart of the gospel. Jesus said, “If you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15). Forgiveness shows we understand grace.
