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Book of Luke - Chapter 16 - Verse 7

16:7
Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus uses a parable to teach a lesson about forgiveness and gratitude. The master forgives a servant who owed him a large sum of money, demonstrating mercy and compassion. However, when this forgiven servant encounters another who owes him a much smaller amount, he lacks the same mercy and demands payment. The servant's lack of forgiveness and gratitude contrasts sharply with the master's actions, highlighting the importance of showing kindness and forgiveness to others. Through this parable, Jesus teaches the importance of forgiveness, showing mercy, and being grateful for the forgiveness we have received. It serves as a reminder to treat others with the same compassion and kindness we have been shown, and to remember the debt of gratitude we owe for the forgiveness we have received.

Theological Overview

In the context of this verse, the conversation between two individuals involves the concept of debts and payments. The phrase 'And how much owest thou?' highlights the theme of accountability and settling of debts. The response 'An hundred measures of wheat' reveals the substantial amount owed by one party to the other. The use of specific measurements like 'an hundred measures' and 'fourscore' adds a sense of precision to the transaction. The act of writing a bill or a record of the debt signifies the formal agreement between the two individuals regarding the repayment terms. This interaction can be interpreted metaphorically as a representation of the importance of honesty, integrity, and responsibility in our dealings with others. It serves as a reminder of the significance of fulfilling our obligations and being mindful of the debts, both literal and metaphorical, that we owe to others.

American Standard Version

Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. He saith unto him, Take thy bond, and write fourscore.
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