Book of Matthew - Chapter 22 - Verse 26

In this verse, Jesus is teaching about forgiveness and reconciliation in the context of interpersonal relationships. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness by instructing his disciples that if someone sins against them, they should forgive them not just once, but multiple times - up to seven times. The number seven holds significance in the Bible as a symbol of completion and perfection. Therefore, Jesus is not placing a limit on forgiveness, but rather emphasizing the need for continual forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships. By forgiving others repeatedly, we reflect the mercy and grace that God has shown us, and we also foster peace and harmony within our relationships. This verse serves as a reminder for us to practice forgiveness and extend grace to others as a reflection of God's love for us.

Upon closer examination, the phrase "Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh" found in the book of Matthew has significant theological implications. This passage is part of a larger teaching by Jesus on the resurrection, where he refutes the Pharisees' hypothetical scenario involving a woman who marries multiple brothers sequentially after they die. Jesus uses this example to illustrate that there will be no marriage in the afterlife, emphasizing the eternal nature of the resurrection. The phrase itself serves as a demonstration of the logical progression in the scenario presented, highlighting the futility of the Pharisees' questioning. Furthermore, the repetition of numbers from the second to the seventh could symbolize completeness and perfection in biblical numerology, reinforcing the idea of the resurrection as a divine and final reality. Overall, this verse underscores Jesus' authority on matters of the afterlife and provides a glimpse into the theological depth of his teachings.