In ancient Jewish times, the number seven symbolized perfection, completion, or fullness. The number seventy combines the perfection of seven with the symbolic completion of ten. Therefore, Jesus is using a form of hyperbole to make a point that our forgiveness needs to be perfect; it needs to be full, complete and ongoing, not half-hearted, measured, calculating, or backtracking.
About Taylor Halverson
Taylor Halverson is an aspiring master learner who loves people, laughter, telling stories, and learning.