Matthew 18:31
New International Version
When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

New Living Translation
“When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

English Standard Version
When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.

Berean Standard Bible
When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore his fellow servants having seen the things having taken place, were deeply grieved, and having gone, narrated to their master everything having taken place.

King James Bible
So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

New King James Version
So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.

New American Standard Bible
So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their master all that had happened.

NASB 1995
“So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.

NASB 1977
“So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.

Legacy Standard Bible
So, when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.

Amplified Bible
When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and they went and reported to their master [with clarity and in detail] everything that had taken place.

Christian Standard Bible
When the other servants saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened.

American Standard Version
So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Contemporary English Version
When some other officials found out what had happened, they felt sorry for the man who had been put in jail. Then they told the king what had happened.

English Revised Version
So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"The other servants who worked with him saw what had happened and felt very sad. They told their master the whole story.

Good News Translation
When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went to the king and told him everything.

International Standard Version
"When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very disturbed and went and reported to their master everything that had occurred.

Majority Standard Bible
When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master.

NET Bible
When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were very upset and went and told their lord everything that had taken place.

New Heart English Bible
So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done.

Webster's Bible Translation
So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done.

Weymouth New Testament
His fellow servants, therefore, seeing what had happened, were exceedingly angry; and they came and told their master without reserve all that had happened.

World English Bible
So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his fellow-servants having seen the things that were done, were grieved exceedingly, and having come, showed fully to their lord all the things that were done;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore his fellow servants having seen the things having taken place, were deeply grieved, and having gone, narrated to their master everything having taken place.

Young's Literal Translation
'And his fellow-servants having seen the things that were done, were grieved exceedingly, and having come, shewed fully to their lord all the things that were done;

Smith's Literal Translation
And his fellow-servants having seen the thing done, were greatly grieved, and having come, made known to their lord all things done.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now his fellow servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and they came and told their lord all that was done.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now his fellow servants, seeing what was done, were greatly saddened, and they went and reported to their lord all that was done.

New American Bible
Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair.

New Revised Standard Version
When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When their fellow-servants saw what had happened, they were very sorry, and they came and informed their master of everything that had happened.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when their associates saw all what happened, it was very grievous to them, and they came and revealed to their lord everything that had happened.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sad, and went and made known to their lord all that was done.

Godbey New Testament
Then his fellow-servants seeing those things which had taken place, were grieved exceedingly, and coming related to their lord all the things which transpired.

Haweis New Testament
Then his fellow-servants, when they saw what was done, were exceedingly sorry, and came to their lord, and gave him an explicit account of all things that had passed.

Mace New Testament
his fellow-servants upon seeing this were very much concern'd, and went to acquaint their master with what had pass'd.

Weymouth New Testament
His fellow servants, therefore, seeing what had happened, were exceedingly angry; and they came and told their master without reserve all that had happened.

Worrell New Testament
Therefore, his fellow-servants, seeing what was done, were exceedingly grieved; and, going, they made known to their lord all that was done.

Worsley New Testament
Now when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very much grieved, and came and acquainted their lord with all that had passed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Unforgiving Servant
30But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt. 31When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master. 32Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me.…

Cross References
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Mark 11:25
And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Luke 17:3-4
Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

1 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

Genesis 50:17
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

2 Chronicles 7:14
and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Psalm 32:1-2
Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him


Treasury of Scripture

So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done.

they.

Psalm 119:136,158
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law…

Jeremiah 9:1
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Mark 3:5
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

and came.

Genesis 37:2
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.

Luke 14:21
So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

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Angry Bondmen Deeply Distressed Exceedingly Fellow Fellow-Bondmen Fellowservants Fellow-Servants Greatly Grieved Master Reported Reserve Sad Servants Slaves Sorry Word
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Angry Bondmen Deeply Distressed Exceedingly Fellow Fellow-Bondmen Fellowservants Fellow-Servants Greatly Grieved Master Reported Reserve Sad Servants Slaves Sorry Word
Matthew 18
1. Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,
7. to avoid offenses,
10. and not to despise the little ones;
15. teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,
21. and how often to forgive them;
23. which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,
32. and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.














When his fellow servants
The phrase "fellow servants" refers to those who are in a similar position or role, serving the same master. In the Greek, the term used is "σύνδουλοι" (syndouloi), which emphasizes a shared servitude and community among the servants. This highlights the interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ, where each member is called to serve one another in love and humility, reflecting the unity and fellowship that should characterize the Christian community.

saw what had happened
The act of seeing here is not just a physical observation but an understanding of the injustice that has occurred. The Greek word "εἶδον" (eidon) implies a perception that goes beyond mere sight, suggesting a moral and spiritual awareness. This awareness is crucial for believers, as it calls them to discernment and action when witnessing wrongs within their community, urging them to respond in a manner that aligns with God's justice and mercy.

they were greatly distressed
The emotional response of being "greatly distressed" is captured in the Greek word "λυπούμενοι" (lypoumenoi), which conveys a deep sorrow or grief. This reaction underscores the importance of empathy and compassion within the Christian life. When one member of the body suffers or is treated unjustly, it affects the whole community, prompting a collective response that seeks to restore righteousness and peace.

and they went and recounted all this
The action of going and recounting is significant, as it demonstrates the responsibility of believers to address issues of injustice and seek resolution. The Greek word "διηγήσαντο" (diegesanto) means to narrate or report in detail, indicating that the servants took deliberate steps to ensure that the master was fully informed. This reflects the biblical principle of accountability and the need for transparency within the community of faith.

to their master
The master in this parable represents God, who is the ultimate authority and judge. The Greek term "κύριος" (kyrios) signifies one who has control and power, reminding believers of God's sovereignty and justice. By bringing their concerns to the master, the servants demonstrate trust in his ability to right the wrongs and administer fair judgment. This act of turning to the master is a model for Christians, who are encouraged to bring their burdens and concerns to God in prayer, trusting in His wisdom and righteousness to address the issues they face.

(31) They were very sorry.--The fellow-servants are, of course, in the inner meaning of the parable, those who are members of the same spiritual society. Our Lord appeals as by anticipation to the judgment which Christians in general, perhaps even to that which mankind at large, would pass upon such conduct. It is suggestive that He describes them, not as being angry or indignant (though such feelings would have been natural enough), but as "exceeding sorry." Sorrow, rather than anger, is the mood of the true disciple of Christ as he witnesses the sins against love which are the scandals of the Christian society. Anger, the righteous wrath against evil, belongs rather, as in Matthew 18:32, to the Lord and Judge.

Verse 31. - Fellow servants. Those in the same condition of life as the incarcerated debtor. Mystically, they would be the angels, who, like those in the parable of the tares, tell the Lord what was done; or the saints who plead with God against oppression and injustice. They were very sorry. It is well remarked that anger against sin is God's attribute (ver. 34), sorrow appertains to men. These have a fellow feeling for the sinner, in that they are conscious that in their own heart there are germs of evil which, unchecked, may develop into similar wickedness. Told (διεσάφησαν); told clearly. They took the part of their comrade, and, not in revenge or malice, but as an act of justice, gave their lord full information of what had happened. The just cannot hold their peace at the sight of oppression and wrong, and God confirms their judgment.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[When]
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

fellow servants
σύνδουλοι (syndouloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4889: From sun and doulos; a co-slave, i.e. Servitor or ministrant of the same master.

saw
Ἰδόντες (Idontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

what
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

had happened,
γενόμενα (genomena)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

they were greatly distressed,
ἐλυπήθησαν (elypēthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3076: To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they went
ἐλθόντες (elthontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

[and] recounted
διεσάφησαν (diesaphēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1285: To make clear, explain fully. From dia and saphes; to clear thoroughly, i.e. declare.

all
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

[of this]
γενόμενα (genomena)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

to
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

their
ἑαυτῶν (heautōn)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

master.
κυρίῳ (kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 18:31 So when his fellow servants saw what (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 18:30
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