Strong’s Greek 3782 designates the concept of a debt or obligation—something that rightfully belongs to another and must be rendered. Across its three New Testament occurrences the term encompasses civic, moral, and relational spheres, uniting them under the larger biblical motif of faithfulness in stewardship.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Matthew 18:32 emphasizes a financial debt canceled by a merciful master: “Then the master summoned him and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me.’” The noun frames the parable of the unforgiving servant, where money owed becomes a window into the vastly greater spiritual obligation to forgive as one has been forgiven.
2. Romans 13:7 shifts the word into the public arena: “Pay everyone what you owe them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.” Here the term grounds Christian submission to governing authorities in concrete acts of payment and respect.
3. 1 Corinthians 7:3 brings the vocabulary into marriage: “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” The obligation is mutual and covenantal, highlighting that Christian love is expressed not merely by emotion but by faithful discharge of owed responsibility.

Thematic Connections

Debt in Scripture consistently carries the tension of liability and grace. The legal notion of what is “due” intersects with the gospel proclamation that every spiritual debt is paid in Christ (Colossians 2:14). Thus the term underscores that believers are both liberated from the ultimate debt of sin and simultaneously bound to render what is right in earthly relationships.

Historical Background

In first-century Judaism and Greco-Roman society, obligations to patrons, magistrates, and family were widely recognized. Debts could lead to slavery or imprisonment (Matthew 18:30). The New Testament writers employ this familiar economic language to illustrate spiritual truths, ensuring immediate cultural resonance while calling disciples to a higher ethic shaped by the cross.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Civic Responsibility: Romans 13:7 legitimizes lawful taxation and civic honor. Christians serve as testimonies of integrity when they meet governmental dues promptly and respectfully.
• Forgiveness Culture: The Matthean parable urges churches to cultivate forgiveness that mirrors divine remission, preventing the bondage that accrues when interpersonal “accounts” remain unsettled.
• Marital Faithfulness: In pastoral counseling, 1 Corinthians 7:3 affirms that intimacy is an owed covenant privilege, safeguarding marriages from neglect and temptation.

Related Concepts

Obligation (opheilō, Strong’s 3784), charge (entolē), and stewardship (oikonomos) form a network around 3782, all directing attention to what is rightfully expected of the believer. Love, the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10), is both the source and the standard for meeting every debt.

Christ-Focused Fulfillment

Jesus Christ embodies perfect obedience; He renders unto Caesar and unto God flawlessly (Matthew 22:21) and pays the ransom for many (Mark 10:45). In Him every debt is settled, empowering the redeemed to discharge earthly obligations not as burdens but as worship.