Lyrics · Matthew
The Debt He Would Not Forgive
Matthew 18:21-35
About this song
About this song
This song belongs to the Matthew collection. One recording is available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.
- Bible book
- Matthew
- Collection
- Matthew
- Musical styles
- Classical & Orchestral
Available recordings
Listen here
The Debt He Would Not Forgive
Matthew · Opera Semiseria
[Intro - Peter's question]
Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me,
And I forgive him, till seven times?
Jesus answered, Until seventy times seven;
Then the kingdom opened like an account.
[Verse 1 - ten thousand talents]
A king would reckon with his servants.
One owed ten thousand talents and had nothing to pay.
The servant fell down: Lord, have patience with me.
Moved with compassion, the king forgave the debt.
[Refrain - mercy received]
All that weight was lifted,
All that sum was gone.
Shouldest not thou also have had compassion,
Even as I had pity on thee?
[Verse 2 - one hundred pence]
The servant found a fellow owing little,
Took him by the throat and said, Pay me.
His fellow fell and begged for patience,
But he cast him into prison till the debt was paid.
[Bridge - the report]
His fellowservants grieved and told their lord.
O wicked servant, I forgave thee all.
The king delivered him to the tormentors
Till he should pay all that was due.
[Outro - from the heart]
So shall my heavenly Father do,
If ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

