and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
When Jesus asks us to pray for forgiveness of our "debts," he's not just talking about sins but also about what we owe God and others through our unmet responsibilities. The crucial part is the "as we also have forgiven," which highlights that our ability to receive forgiveness is directly tied to our willingness to let go of wrongs done to us, reflecting a key principle of God's mercy.
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, specifically within the context of a sermon on authentic righteousness versus outward religious performance. This verse is part of a model prayer where Jesus provides concrete examples of what they should ask for, following instructions on how to give to the needy and pray without hypocrisy. The surrounding verses discuss seeking God's kingdom and will, asking for daily provision, and the crucial condition of forgiving others if they expect God to forgive them.
When we talk about 'debts' in prayer, it's easy to think small. But Jesus uses a word that paints a much bigger picture of our relationship with God.
Sin as Debt
The word Jesus uses for 'debts' (in the original Greek, 'ophelemata') powerfully connects our sins to financial obligations. It's not just about making a mistake; it's about failing to give God what is due to Him – our obedience, our trust, our love.
This understanding isn't meant to paralyze us with guilt, but to drive us to the one person who can truly cancel the debt: God Himself.
Jesus doesn't just ask us to for forgiveness; He sets a crucial condition. The way we treat others directly impacts how we receive God's grace.
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The Echo Chamber of Mercy
The phrase 'as we also have forgiven our debtors' isn't merely a suggestion – it's a profound mirroring of God's own action towards us.
When we refuse to forgive, we're essentially locking the door through which we ourselves need to pass to receive God's full pardon.
Understand the original words
opheilēma · Greek Noun
A term used metaphorically to represent sin or moral failures. It signifies a debt or obligation owed to God because of disobedience, which man is unable to pay.
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
To release from a penalty, debt, or obligation. Biblically, it signifies the act of God remitting the guilt of sin, and the believer's subsequent duty to grant release to those who have wronged them.
The concept of 'debts' in this prayer reflects the understanding of sin as an obligation or debt owed to God's justice. The condition of forgiving others highlights that true reconciliation with God requires extending that same grace to those who have wronged us.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus teaches the Lord's Prayer
Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, including what is now known as the Lord's Prayer, as a model for his disciples on how to pray.
c. 27-33 AD
Jesus' ministry and teachings
Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, both in receiving it from God and extending it to others.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Jesus' atoning sacrifice is seen as the ultimate act of forgiveness, making it possible for humanity to be reconciled with God.
c. 45-60 AD
Early Church spreads the teachings
The Apostles and early Christians, inspired by Jesus' example and teachings, spread the message of forgiveness and incorporate the Lord's Prayer into their practice.
This passage is the parallel account of the Lord's Prayer in Luke, where Jesus explicitly uses the word 'sins' instead of 'debts,' highlighting that our offenses against God are what we need forgiveness for.
Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant, illustrating vividly the principle that God will not forgive our spiritual debts if we refuse to forgive the smaller debts others owe us.
This Old Testament passage beautifully captures the reciprocity of God's justice and mercy: He shows himself holy to the holy, loyal to the loyal, but crooked with the crooked.
Colossians 3:13Paul directly echoes Jesus' teaching, commanding believers to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances they have against one another, 'as the Lord has forgiven you.'
barnesMatthew 6:12: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
And forgive us our debts ... - The word "debts" is used here figuratively. It does not mean "literally" that we are "debtors to God," but that our sins have a resemblance to debts. Debtors are those who are bound to others for some claim in commercial transactions; for something which we have had, and for which we are bound to pay according to contract. "Literally" there can be no such transaction between God and us. It must b…
vincentMatthew 6:12: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
Debts (ὀφειλήματα)So, rightly, A. V., and Rev. (compare Luke 11:4). Sin is pictured as a debt, and the sinner as a debtor (compare Matthew 18:28, Matthew 18:30). Accordingly the word represents sin both as a wrong and as requiring satisfaction. In contrast with the prayer, "Forgive us our debts," Tholuck ("Sermon on the Mount") quotes the prayer of Apollonius of Tyana, "O ye gods, give me the things which are owing to me."Fo…
When Jesus asks us to pray for forgiveness of our "debts," he's not just talking about sins but also about what we owe God and others through our unmet responsibilities. The crucial part is the "as we also have forgiven," which highlights that our ability to receive forgiveness is directly tied to our willingness to let go of wrongs done to us, reflecting a key principle of God's mercy.
Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, specifically within the context of a sermon on authentic righteousness versus outward religious performance. This verse is part of a model prayer where Jesus provides concrete examples of what they should ask for, following instructions on how to give to the needy and pray without hypocrisy. The surrounding verses discuss seeking God's kingdom and will, asking for daily provision, and the crucial condition of forgiving others if they expect God to forgive them.
Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, specifically within the context of a sermon on authentic righteousness versus outward religious performance. This verse is part of a model prayer where Jesus provides concrete examples of what they should ask for, following instructions on how to give to the needy and pray without hypocrisy. The surrounding verses discuss seeking God's kingdom and will, asking for daily provision, and the crucial condition of forgiving others if they expect God to forgive them.
"and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." — When Jesus asks us to pray for forgiveness of our "debts," he's not just talking about sins but also about what we owe God and others through our unmet responsibilities. The crucial part is the "as…
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Last reviewed October 2026