Are you trying to find biblical guidance on forgiveness? In Matthew 18:22, Jesus preaches about unbounded forgiveness, which is where the phrase “70 times 7” originates. Jesus responded to Peter’s question about how often he should forgive someone by saying, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.
” This stirring passage highlights God’s grace and exhorts Christians to extend unrestricted forgiveness to others. This article examines the spiritual significance of 70 times 7, its meaning, and relevant Bible passages that emphasize the value of forgiveness in a Christian’s life. Let’s examine the Bible and learn how to put this lesson into practice in our day-to-day relationship with Christ.
The Meaning of 70 Times 7 in the Bible
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” Peter questioned Jesus in Matthew 18:21–22. As much as seven times? “I tell you,” said Jesus, “not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
This phrase was intended to highlight unbounded forgiveness rather than to establish a strict 490-time limit. The number seven represented perfection or wholeness in biblical times. Jesus was teaching that forgiveness should be unconditional and continuous when he said, “70 times seven.”
As stated in Lamentations 3:22–23, “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning,” this is consistent with God’s own mercy. We are obligated to show people the same grace that God shows us by forgiving us without conditions.
Using Bible Verse about 70 Times 7
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” Peter questioned Jesus in Matthew 18:21–22. As much as seven times? “I tell you,” said Jesus, “not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
According to this text, forgiveness ought to be unlimited. According to Jewish custom, it was enough to forgive someone three times. Thinking he was being kind, Peter made seven suggestions. But Jesus went one step farther and said, “Seventy times seven,” which means forgiveness should be ongoing and unrestricted.
Bible Verse about 70 Times 7
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.’”
Message: Jesus teaches that forgiveness should be limitless. Instead of keeping count, we must cultivate a heart that continuously forgives, just as God forgives us without end.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Message: Our forgiveness should reflect God’s grace. Since He forgives us freely, we are called to extend the same kindness and mercy to others.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Message: Forgiveness is an act of love and compassion. By choosing to forgive, we demonstrate Christ’s love and invite peace into our lives.
Luke 17:3-4 (NIV)
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 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.”
Message: True forgiveness is not based on how many times someone offends us but on a willing heart that chooses to let go and restore relationships.
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Message: Forgiveness is a sign of wisdom and strength, not weakness. Overlooking an offense allows us to rise above bitterness and live in harmony with others.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Message: Forgiveness is a two-way street. When we forgive others, we open the door for God’s forgiveness in our own lives.
Mark 11:25 (NIV)
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Message: Unforgiveness can hinder our prayers. God wants us to let go of grudges and extend His grace to others.
Luke 6:37 (NIV)
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Message: When we judge or hold resentment, we invite the same measure upon ourselves. Choosing forgiveness brings us peace and freedom.
Psalm 103:12 (NIV)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Message: God forgives us completely and removes our sins forever. We should strive to forgive others in the same way.
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Message: God’s forgiveness is always available when we repent. We should extend that same forgiveness to others.
Romans 12:17-19 (NIV)
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
Message: Vengeance belongs to God. Instead of seeking revenge, we should choose forgiveness and trust Him to bring justice.
Micah 7:18-19 (NIV)
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
Message: God delights in showing mercy, and as His followers, we should strive to reflect that same mercy in our relationships.
Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Message: Love and forgiveness bring healing, while bitterness and resentment only create more problems.
James 5:16 (NIV)
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Message: Confession and forgiveness lead to healing, both spiritually and emotionally.
Genesis 50:20-21 (NIV)
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”
Message: Joseph forgave his brothers even though they betrayed him. This shows that forgiveness brings restoration and divine blessings.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)
“Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
Message: Forgiveness is a spiritual weapon that keeps the enemy from gaining a foothold in our lives.
Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Message: God completely washes away our sins when we seek His forgiveness, and we should do the same for others.
Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Message: Showing mercy and forgiveness allows us to receive mercy from God.
Hebrews 8:12 (NIV)
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Message: God does not hold onto our past mistakes. True forgiveness means letting go and not bringing up past offenses.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Message: Love is the foundation of forgiveness. When we love as Christ loves, we can truly forgive and move forward in peace.
Conclusion
The 70 times 7 lesson serves as a reminder that, like God’s compassion and mercy, forgiveness ought to be unending. These scriptures demonstrate that forgiveness is a means of achieving peace, healing, and spiritual development in addition to being an act of obedience. We show Christ’s love and make room in our hearts for His gifts when we forgive others.
