Strong’s Greek 2034 (ἑπτάκις, heptakis) means “seven times.” The adverb intensifies the concept of completeness already associated with the number seven, emphasizing an action carried out to its full, perfect extent.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Matthew 18:21
2. Matthew 18:22
3. Luke 17:4 (first clause)
4. Luke 17:4 (second clause)

Each occurrence stands within a teaching of Jesus on forgiveness, underscoring the necessity of limitless grace among His disciples.

Symbolic Significance of the Number Seven

Throughout Scripture, seven conveys fullness, perfection, or completion (Genesis 2:2-3; Leviticus 23:36; Revelation 1:4). By coupling the root “seven” with the adverbial ending “-akis,” the New Testament writers capture an idea of consummate repetition—an action done as many times as divine completeness demands.

Forgiveness Beyond Calculation

Matthew 18 narrates Peter’s proposal: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus counters, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22). The contrast takes Peter’s generous-sounding limit and expands it infinitely. Luke 17:4 similarly records, “Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him”. In both contexts, ἑπτάκις stresses an unrelenting posture of pardon.

Historical and Rabbinic Background

Rabbinic discussions in the first century often suggested three acts of forgiveness as sufficient. Peter’s offer of seven exceeded this norm, yet Jesus’ response shattered any numeric boundary. The teaching transforms forgiveness from a ledger practice into a reflection of God’s covenant mercy.

Theological Implications

1. Revelation of Divine Character: God forgives “abundantly” (Isaiah 55:7). By instructing disciples to forgive ἑπτάκις—and beyond—Jesus aligns their conduct with His Father’s nature.
2. Kingdom Ethic: Unlimited forgiveness marks the community birthed by the gospel, distinguishing it from worldly retribution.
3. Eschatological Hope: Perfect, sevenfold forgiveness foreshadows the consummated kingdom where sin and offense are eradicated.

Practical Ministry Insights

• Counseling: Encourage believers to release grudges repeatedly, modeling God’s patience.
• Church Discipline: Combine accountability with readiness to restore—again and again.
• Marital and Family Life: Apply ἑπτάκις forgiveness daily, reflecting covenant loyalty.
• Evangelism: Demonstrations of boundless forgiveness authenticate the message of grace.

Related Concepts

Perfection (Strong’s 5046), Mercy (Strong’s 1656), Long-suffering (Strong’s 3115), Seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22 parallel).

Summary

ἑπτάκις operates as more than arithmetic; it summons disciples to a lifestyle patterned after the perfection of divine compassion—an ever-renewed, complete forgiveness that mirrors the heart of God and anchors the life of the church.