But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
Since he couldn't pay what he owed, his master ordered that he, his wife, his kids, and everything he owned should be sold to cover the debt.
When you can't pay your debts, everything you have is on the line.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of Matthew 18, Jesus tells a parable about a servant who owed an enormous debt to his master, illustrating the theme of forgiveness in his teachings. In ancient times, under Roman and broader Near Eastern customs, creditors had the legal right to sell debtors, their families, and possessions into slavery to recover losses, reflecting the harsh economic realities of that era. This story serves as a backdrop for Jesus to emphasize God's mercy toward human failings.
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