Why did Jesus say forgive 77 times?

Asked by: Elisha Cormier  |  Last update: August 3, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (73 votes)

Many commentaries understand this to mean that Jesus was telling Peter that he should forgive his brother a limitless number of times. There is poetry for the soul in these passages: there is a small, determined amount of vengeance, but limitless Divine forgiveness.

What is the significance of the number 77 in the Bible?

For Jesus to say “77,” then, would be to exaggerate this standard of perfection – a metaphorical way of saying “forgive until you reach perfect perfection.” In essence, Jesus was saying “forgive to infinity.” Jesus' reference to 77 also brings to mind the words of Lamech in Genesis 4:23-24 – a ruthless man who lived ...

What does God say about forgiveness 77 times?

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

What does 77x stand for in the Bible?

Jesus says we should forgive someone seventy times seven in response to a question from Peter about how many times to forgive a brother who sins against him. Peter asks if forgiving seven times is appropriate, and Jesus responds “not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).

What does Jesus mean when he says Peter to forgive his enemies seventy times seven?

The Jewish leaders taught that a person should forgive someone else three times. Peter probably thought he was being very generous by saying seven. It is not clear whether Jesus said “Seventy times seven” or “Seventy seven times”, but his meaning is clear - forgiveness should be without limit.

Jesus Explained the Secret to Being Resilient and Strong in Life

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What does 70x7 mean in the Bible?

(70×7=490) Christ was actually alluding to the 490 years that the Jews had spent in captivity and slavery. They were taken from their homeland, their families were torn apart, and they were enslaved, along with many other atrocities that they endured. He was saying even in the hardest of situations, forgive.

How many times should we forgive according to Jesus?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that we must forgive others to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15) and that the merciful shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7). Later, Matthew 18:21-22 says that we are to forgive someone “seventy-seven times” (or, in many translations, “seventy times seven,” which is 490 times).

How many times can God forgive you for the same sin?

It's unlikely that we can keep track of whether we forgive a particular individual 490 times, so you can see Jesus' point: we are to always forgive because God always forgives us. God does not have a limit.

Why is 777 biblical?

777 Biblical Meaning

777 represents the divine perfection of the Holy Trinity; it is often called “God's number.” 777 also signifies completion and God's divine plan. In Genesis 2:2-3, 7 is written 3 times to describe God creating Heaven and Earth in 7 days.

What are three things that Jesus said about forgiveness?

Quotes of Jesus about forgiveness:
  • If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. ...
  • Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? ...
  • Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.” ...
  • Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

How many times is God willing to forgive?

Seventy times seven. If you do not forgive your transgressors (those who offended you of who sinned against you) then neither will your Heavenly Father forgive you your sins.

Is it 77 times or 70 times 7?

Based on this evidence, translators of the Bible are advised to translate the expression as “seventy times seven.” Commentators are advised to explain that although the phrase equates to four hundred and ninety, it symbolically signifies the completion of forgiveness for all sins that could be committed against someone ...

What does the righteous man falls seven times mean?

This means that the person who abides in Christ cannot abide in sin. He may fall into sin seven times . . . but each time gets up again.

What does 77 mean spiritually?

Spirituality holds a significant place in human life, offering a sense of fulfilment and connection with the divine. The number 77 represents profound spiritual awakening and development. It carries the energy of spiritual awareness, signifying that you are on the right path in your spiritual journey.

What does Jesus mean when he says 77 times?

Jesus speaks of forgiveness beyond what anyone had ever considered before: seventy times seven! Many commentaries understand this to mean that Jesus was telling Peter that he should forgive his brother a limitless number of times.

Why is 7 a holy number?

The number 7 is quite significant in the Bible, appearing over 700 times throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In biblical numerology, 7 symbolizes completion or perfection. It is said that God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th.

What is Jesus's holy number?

In some Christian numerology, the number 888 represents Jesus, or sometimes more specifically Christ the Redeemer. This representation may be justified either through gematria, by counting the letter values of the Greek transliteration of Jesus' name, or as an opposing value to 666, the number of the beast.

What does 666 mean biblically?

The number of the beast is usually referred to as 666, although the earliest extant written copy of Revelation gives the number as 616. While the exact identity of the beast is contested, there exists a popular belief that 666 can signify the Antichrist or Satan.

How to call God on a phone?

So what do we do when struggling? Dial up God's phone number – Jer-333 (Jeremiah 33:3), “Call to me and I will answer…”

What are the three worst sins?

Listed in order of increasing severity as per Pope Gregory I, 6th-century A.D., the seven deadly sins are as follows:
  • Lust.
  • Gluttony.
  • Greed.
  • Sloth.
  • Wrath.
  • Envy.
  • Pride.

What are the three sins God will not forgive?

With this declaration, Alma identified for Corianton the three most abominable sins in the sight of God: (1) denying the Holy Ghost, (2) shedding innocent blood, and (3) committing sexual sin. Adultery was third to murder and the sin against the Holy Ghost as abominable sins.

What prayer forgives all sins?

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life for the glory of your name.

What does the Bible say about someone who continually hurts you?

In Matthew 5:44 Jesus says, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

What does 490 mean in the Bible?

490 is the numerical value of the biblical Hebrew word “tamim” which means to “complete,” “perfect,” or “finished.” A person who can't forgive will always live an imperfect, and incomplete life that lacks a true understanding of the “finished” gracious work of the cross.

What is a powerful verse about forgiveness?

Matthew 6:14 (NIV)

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." It's important to remember that forgiveness scriptures like Matthew 6:14 remind us that, since God forgives us, we, too, must offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us.