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Matthew 6:12

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 6:12

Verse 12 of 34

Scripture focus

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:12 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 6:12

Theological / Devotional

Forgive. Gr. aphiemi, a common word in the NT, frequently meaning “to send away,” or “to dismiss,” “to leave” (see Matt. 4:11; Mark 4:36; etc.). The meaning “to forgive” is probably based on the idea that the repentant petitioning soul is sent away in peace.

Debts. Gr. opheilema, a common word for legal debts (cf. Rom. 4:4), but used here of moral and spiritual indebtedness. Here sin is pictured as a debt and the sinner as a debtor. The parallel passage in Luke has “sins” (ch. 11:4). See on Matt. 18:28, 30; Luke 7:41-43.

As we forgive. That is, as it is our habit to forgive. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 146) between this and the reading “as we have forgiven,” implying that we dare not ask for forgiveness unless and until we have forgiven our fellow men. See on chs. 5:24; 18:23-35.

Our debtors. That is, those who have wronged us.

By SdaBc