ὀφείλω (opheilō)
opheilō
to owe
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb opheilō centers on the concept of owing, whether in a literal financial sense or as a moral obligation. In the Gospels, it appears in parables about debts to illustrate spiritual realities, such as when Jesus describes a servant who refuses to forgive a smaller debt after being forgiven a massive one (Matthew 18:28). The word captures the weight of a duty that is due, creating a clear picture of liability and responsibility.
Its meaning extends beyond money into the realm of ethical duty. Paul uses it to describe the ongoing obligation believers have to love one another, stating that love fulfills the law (Romans 13:8). It also frames service as something owed; Jesus teaches that disciples should view themselves as servants who owe obedience, saying they are unprofitable servants who have only done what was their duty (Luke 17:10). This usage highlights a life lived in response to grace rather than independent choice.
The term carries a unique nuance where owing can imply having wronged someone. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs followers to pray for forgiveness of debts, linking financial indebtedness with moral failure (Matthew 6:12). This connection suggests that sin is not just a mistake but a debt incurred against God and neighbor, requiring repayment or pardon.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word opheilō reminds us that following Jesus involves a specific kind of responsibility. It describes an obligation that is due, much like a financial debt. In Matthew 18:28, Jesus uses this concept to show how serious it is to refuse forgiveness after receiving it. The servant who owed a massive debt could not justify holding onto a smaller one against his fellow worker. This story highlights that grace creates a duty to extend grace in return.
Paul expands this idea in Romans 13:8, stating that the only ongoing debt believers should carry is love for others. While we may be free from financial liabilities, we remain bound by the call to care for our neighbors. This love fulfills the law because it meets the needs of those around us. It shifts our focus from what we are owed to what we can give.
Jesus also taught in Luke 17:10 that even when we do everything commanded, we are merely fulfilling our duty. This perspective keeps us humble. We serve not to earn favor, but because we have already received so much. Recognizing this debt of gratitude helps us live with a heart that is ready to love and serve without keeping score.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ought11×
- we ought2×
- was owing2×
- is bound.2×
- you owe.’1×
- you ought1×
- you have been obliged1×
- we were obliged1×
- was being obliged1×
- they ought1×
- owe?1×
- owe you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀφείλομεν6×
- ὀφείλει6×
- ὤφειλεν3×
- ὀφείλει,3×
- ὀφείλουσιν2×
- ὀφείλετε2×
- ὀφείλει.2×
- ὤφειλον1×
- ὠφείλομεν1×
- ὠφείλετε1×
- Ὀφείλομεν1×
- ὀφείλοντι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 18:28
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’
This verse illustrates the moral weight of forgiveness by contrasting a forgiven massive debt with an unforgiven small one.
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Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Paul redefines the concept of owing by identifying love as the single, perpetual obligation that fulfills all other laws.
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Luke 17:10
Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.’”
Jesus uses this term to teach humility, showing that disciples have only done what was required and should not expect special praise.
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Luke 7:41
“A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
The parable of the two debtors uses this word to establish the basis for Jesus' teaching on how much we should forgive others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word opheilō mean?
How is opheilō different from other words for sin?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (34 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 5 verses
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him…
Matthew 18:30He would not, but went and cast him into prison until he should pay back that which was due.
Matthew 18:34His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him.
Matthew 23:16“Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of…
Matthew 23:18And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated.’