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LUKE 17:4 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Luke 17:3Luke 17:5
“And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying I repent, you must forgive them — seven times in a day: the hyperbolic frequency that tests the limits of forgiveness. Seven times in a single day — and each time they repent — forgive them. The must (aphēseis autō, you will forgive them) communicates the obligation rather than the counsel.

Church Fathers on Luke 17:4

After the parable of the rich man who is tormented in punishment, Christ added a commandment to give forgiveness to those who turn themselves from their trespasses, lest any one through despair should not be reclaimed from his fault; and hence it is said, Take heed to yourselves.

Ambrose · 4th century

As if He says, Offenses must needs come; but it does not follow that you must perish, if only you be on your guard: as it need not that the sheep should perish when the wolf comes, if the shepherd is watching. And since there are great varieties of offenders, (for some are incurable, some are curable,) He therefore adds, If your brother trespass against you, rebuke him.

Theophylact · 11th century

But we must mark, that He does not bid us forgive every one who sins, but him only who repents of his sins. For by taking this course we may avoid offenses, hurting no one, correcting the sinner with a righteous zeal, extending the bowels of mercy to the penitent.

Bede · 8th century
Read all 7 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Luke 17:4 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy