Jesus’ command to forgive “seventy times seven” in Matthew 18:21-22 isn’t about math—it’s about heart. When Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, expecting a reasonable limit, Jesus replied with a number so large it meant stop counting. Forgiveness, according to Jesus, is a lifestyle, not a scorecard. He reinforced this with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, showing how serious God is about us extending the same mercy we’ve received.
Forgiving over and over doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt, excusing sin, or blindly trusting someone again. It means letting go of revenge, even when no apology comes. Jesus modeled this from the cross, and He calls you to do the same—not because people deserve it, but because you’ve been forgiven. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what this kind of forgiveness looks like in real life—and how it can set you free.
If you’ve ever struggled with forgiveness, you’re not alone. It’s one of the hardest things we’re called to do. But in Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus gives a shocking answer to Peter’s question about forgiveness. Let’s break it down and see exactly what Jesus meant—and what it means for you.
The Question: How Often Should I Forgive?
In Matthew 18:21, Peter asks Jesus:
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” (NIV)
Peter probably thought he was being generous. At the time, Jewish tradition generally recommended forgiving someone three times. So Peter more than doubled that. He was likely expecting a pat on the back.
But Jesus flips the whole thing upside down.
Jesus’ Response: “Not Seven Times, but Seventy Times Seven”
In verse 22, Jesus replies:
“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (NIV)
Other translations say:
“seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22, KJV)
So which is it—77 times or 490 times?
It’s Not About the Math
Whether Jesus meant 77 or 490, the point isn’t a literal number. He’s not saying, “Forgive exactly 490 times, then stop.” He’s saying: Don’t keep count. Forgive endlessly.
It’s a direct contrast to the human instinct to track offenses. Jesus is teaching that forgiveness shouldn’t be limited or calculated. Just as God forgives us over and over, we’re called to do the same for others.
Why Did Jesus Say This?
Jesus didn’t stop at the number. Right after this conversation, He told a story—the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35)—to drive His point home.
The Parable in a Nutshell:
- A servant owes the king 10,000 talents—an impossible debt (equivalent to millions of dollars today).
- The king forgives the entire debt.
- That same servant finds someone who owes him 100 denarii (a few months’ wages).
- Instead of showing mercy, he demands full payment and has the man thrown into prison.
- The king finds out and is furious. He says:
“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (v. 33)
- The servant is handed over to be punished.
Then Jesus ends with a serious warning:
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (v. 35)
The Lesson?
If you’ve been forgiven by God (and if you follow Jesus, you have), you’re expected to pass that forgiveness on. Holding grudges, keeping score, or demanding repayment doesn’t reflect God’s mercy.
What Does 70 Times 7 Mean for You?
Let’s get practical. Here’s what Jesus’ command to forgive “70 times 7” means in real life.
1. Forgiveness Is a Lifestyle, Not a Checklist
Jesus is saying that forgiveness isn’t about reaching a limit. It’s about adopting a mindset. You don’t forgive someone until you hit a quota—you forgive because it’s who you are now as a follower of Christ.
2. It’s Not Easy, but It’s Necessary
Forgiving over and over can feel impossible, especially if someone keeps hurting you. But remember: Jesus isn’t asking you to pretend nothing happened. He’s calling you to release the need for revenge, not to ignore justice or healthy boundaries.
Romans 12:19 says: “Do not take revenge…for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Let God handle the justice. Your job is to keep your heart clean.
3. You Forgive Because You’ve Been Forgiven
When you realize how much you’ve been forgiven, it becomes a little easier to forgive others.
Ephesians 4:32 says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
You don’t forgive because people deserve it. You forgive because God forgave you when you didn’t deserve it either.
Common Misunderstandings
Let’s clear up a few things Jesus didn’t mean when He said to forgive 70 times 7:
– Forgiveness ≠ Trust
You can forgive someone and still not trust them. Forgiveness is free; trust is earned. If someone keeps hurting you, forgiving them doesn’t mean putting yourself back in harm’s way.
– Forgiveness ≠ Forgetting
“Forgive and forget” isn’t in the Bible. God doesn’t call you to forget wrongs, but to release the debt they created. You remember the hurt, but you choose not to hold it against the person.
– Forgiveness ≠ Approval of Sin
Forgiving someone doesn’t mean saying what they did was okay. It means choosing to not seek revenge or hold it over them.
What If They Don’t Say Sorry?
This one’s tough. Jesus doesn’t put a condition on forgiveness based on the other person’s apology. In fact, when He was on the cross, He said:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
No apology. No repentance. Still, Jesus forgave.
You can forgive someone without waiting for them to say “I’m sorry.” Forgiveness is first and foremost about freeing your heart.
Final Takeaways
So, does Jesus say to forgive 70 times 7? Yes—but not as a math problem. He’s calling you to unlimited forgiveness, just like the forgiveness you’ve received.
Here’s a quick summary:
Key Points:
- Matthew 18:22 says forgive “seventy times seven”—meaning without limits.
- Jesus told a parable to show the seriousness of forgiveness.
- Forgiveness isn’t about ignoring wrongs, but releasing the burden of revenge.
- You forgive because you’ve been forgiven.
- Forgiveness doesn’t require forgetting, trusting again, or even an apology.
What You Can Do Now:
- Think of someone you’re holding something against.
- Ask God for help to release that burden.
- Remember the cross—and how much God has forgiven you.
- Let go, not for them, but for your own peace and obedience to Christ.
Forgiveness is hard, but Jesus never said it would be easy. He just said it’s worth it. And when you forgive like He did, you reflect God’s heart to a world that desperately needs it.
If this helped you understand Matthew 18:21-22 better, share it or keep digging into Scripture. There’s always more to learn—and live.
FAQs: Does Jesus Say to Forgive 70 Times 7? Exploring Matthew 18:21-22
1. Does Jesus actually say to forgive 70 times 7?
Yes, in Matthew 18:22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive “seventy times seven” times. This isn’t about a literal number like 490, but a call to forgive without limits.
2. What does “70 times 7” mean in the Bible?
In the context of Matthew 18:21-22, “70 times 7” means continual forgiveness. Jesus uses this exaggerated number to show we shouldn’t keep count—just keep forgiving.
3. Why did Peter ask Jesus about forgiving seven times?
Peter thought forgiving seven times was generous, since Jewish tradition typically suggested forgiving three times. Jesus took it further to teach about the radical nature of grace.
4. Is forgiving 70 times 7 meant to be literal?
No, Jesus didn’t mean to count to 490. He used “70 times 7” as a figure of speech to show that forgiveness should be unlimited and from the heart.
5. What story follows Jesus’ teaching on forgiving 70 times 7?
Jesus tells the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35), which illustrates the importance of forgiving others just as God forgives us.
6. Does forgiving 70 times 7 mean forgetting the offense?
Not necessarily. Jesus didn’t say to forget, but to release the offense. Forgiveness means letting go of resentment, not pretending the hurt didn’t happen.
7. Do I still have to forgive if the person doesn’t apologize?
Yes. In Luke 23:34, Jesus forgave His killers without an apology. Forgiveness isn’t conditional—it’s a personal decision to let go, regardless of their response.
8. What if someone keeps hurting me—do I keep forgiving 70 times 7?
Forgiveness can still be extended, but that doesn’t mean staying in harmful situations. Jesus calls us to forgive, but He also values wisdom, boundaries, and safety.
9. Is forgiveness really that important in Christianity?
Absolutely. Forgiveness is central to the gospel. Jesus died to forgive our sins, and He commands us to forgive others as a reflection of His mercy (Ephesians 4:32).
10. How can I apply the “forgive 70 times 7” principle in daily life?
Start by letting go of the need for revenge or justice. Pray for the person who wronged you. Remember how much God has forgiven you—and extend that same grace.
