Definition: Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very interesting and somewhat complex verse from Matthew 18:22. It’s a foundational part of how Jesus deals with conflict and forgiveness! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about how many people we should forgive when someone wrongs us. It’s not about a specific number, but about a limit . Let’s unpack it: "Jesus saith unto..." : This means Jesus is speaking to someone. "...I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." – This is the crucial part. Jesus is saying, "Don't forgive just seven people. Forgive until seventy." What does it mean? The number 7 is incredibly important in Jewish tradition and Christian theology. It’s often associated with completeness, perfection, and God’s plan. So, Jesus isn’t saying a strict limit of forgiveness. Instead, he's suggesting that we should never stop forgiving. He wants us to keep going until we reach a point where we are completely free from the burden of holding onto anger and resentment. Why is this important? It speaks to God’s perspective: It shows Jesus understands that forgiveness is a process, not an event. It emphasizes the importance of continuing love: Forgiveness isn't just about letting go of someone; it’s about continuing to love them despite their actions. It highlights the possibility of endless compassion: It suggests a level of forgiveness that goes beyond what we might initially think is necessary. In short, Jesus is setting a principle – never stop forgiving, even when it's hard. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV%20Matthew%2018%2022](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV%20Matthew%2018%2022) - This is a good, accessible starting point. Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew%3A18%3A22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew%3A18%3A22) - Provides a more detailed explanation. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse, like its historical context or how it relates to Christian teachings on forgiveness?