Matthew 18:25
Wednesday, 8 April 2026
But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. Matthew 18:25
“And he, having naught to pay, the lord, he commanded him sold, and his wife, and the children, and all, as much as he has - and repayment.” (CG)
In the previous verse, one of the king’s servants was found to have owed him myriads of talents. Because of this, it next says, “And he, having naught to pay, the lord, he commanded him sold.”
This would be understood from the Law of Moses, such as –
“And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave.” Leviticus 25:39
The provisions in Israel for bondservants such as this were carefully laid out in Leviticus 25:39-55. It is probable that other countries within the Roman Empire had their own such laws. Slavery was common throughout the Roman system as well. It was an accepted part of life. As for the man, not only was he to be sold, but it continues with, “and his wife, and the children.”
An example of this is found in 2 Kings 4 –
“A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.’” 2 Kings 4:1
Family members were not exempt from the financial failings of the head of the house. One such provision of note concerning how family was dealt with for slaves is found in Exodus 21 –
“Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them: 2 If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. 3 If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. 4 If his master has given him a wife, and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself.” Exodus 21:1-4
As for this individual referred to in the parable, not only is he sold along with his family, but more, “and all, as much as he has - and repayment.”
Due to the extreme amount of debt, everything he possessed was to be confiscated and sold off. In his impossible situation, he would be a man without anything except the hope of service to whoever became his master.
As noted above, if this hypothetical person being referred to was a Hebrew under the Law of Moses’ provisions, he would be released in the year of release, which occurred every seventh year. An example of the abuse of this practice is found in Jeremiah 34.
If this person were sold to be property of Gentiles, he would probably never be freed.
Life application: The Bible assumed the condition of slavery was an axiom of humanity. It treats the subject in a neutral manner and as something that was expected to happen. The various reasons for its coming about are detailed with the understanding that the practice was acceptable.
At the same time, provisions for the proper treatment of slaves were detailed. Today, most countries and cultures do not have slavery, but there are still expectations for people to pay their bills and work in order to tend to their needs and the needs of those dependent on them.
Not acting according to set guidelines for personal responsibility is to be considered inappropriate. For those who fail to tend to their needs, their own miseries are normally a self-inflicted wound. As Paul says, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
If you are a properly functioning human and you don’t want society to leave you in poverty, it is up to you to work, pay your bills, and deal honestly with others. In doing this, you will normally fare well.
Lord God Almighty, help us to be responsible people who will work hard and be effective in the things we do so that we will not be a burden on others. May our lives be directed to glorifying You in all ways. Amen.
