Luke 7:41 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) [Jesus then gave this parable]: “A certain moneylender had two men who owed him money; one owed him five hundred coins [Note: The total amount was 500 twelve-hour days of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $54,000 in 2005], and the other man [owed him] fifty coins [Note: About $5,400 in 2005]. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition A certain lender of money [at interest] had two debtors: one owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. American Standard Version (1901) A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty. Common English Bible “A certain lender had two debtors. One owed enough money to pay five hundred people for a day’s work.The other owed enough money for fifty. Catholic Public Domain Version "A certain creditor had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version A certain creditor had two debtors, the one who owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. |
But that [same] servant went out and found one of his fellow-servants who owed him a small sum of money [Note: The amount was about 100 twelve hour days of a farm laborer’s pay or about $10,800 in 2005]. He grabbed him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay [me] what you owe.’
And forgive us of the wrongs we have done to others, since we have also forgiven the wrongs done to us.
But He answered them, “You [men] give them something to eat.” And they replied, “Should we go and buy a supply of bread to give them to eat?” [Note: The amount mentioned here indicates that it was two hundred twelve-hour days of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $21,600 in 2005].
And forgive us of our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And do not allow us to be put to the test.’”
But the one who did not know [i.e., what his master wanted], yet did things deserving of punishment, will be whipped with few lashes. And to the person who has been given much [responsibility], there will be much required [of him]. And to whom people entrust much [responsibility], they will ask [much] more from him.
Or do you think that those eighteen persons who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them were worse offenders than all the [other] men who lived in Jerusalem?
Then Jesus said to him, “Simon [See verse 43], I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Teacher, [go ahead and] say it.”
For this reason, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. [Note: This suggests that her forgiveness was the result of her loving, but the point Jesus makes better fits the idea that her forgiveness produced love]. But the person who is forgiven of little [i.e., of only a few sins], loves [only] a little bit.”
for everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glory [i.e., His approval, or His perfect character].
This was so that just as sin ruled [over mankind], causing [physical] death, even so God’s unearned favor would rule [over mankind], providing [them with] righteousness, and leading to never ending life through Jesus Christ our Lord.