seventysevenfold

seventysevenfold is a term that appears in religious and spiritual contexts, most notably within the Christian tradition. It refers to a multiplicative principle, often associated with divine blessing or recompense. The specific phrase "seventy times seven" is found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verse 22, where Jesus is responding to Peter's question about how often one should forgive a brother. Peter asks if seven times is sufficient, and Jesus replies, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (or in some translations, "seventy times seven").

The interpretation of this phrase varies. Some scholars suggest it represents an absolute number, implying an unending or virtually limitless capacity for forgiveness. Others view it as hyperbole, emphasizing the boundless nature of Christian forgiveness that should extend far beyond a literal count. The number seventy-seven, or seventy times seven (which equals 490), is seen as symbolic of completeness or abundance. This concept of generous and repeated blessing or forgiveness extends beyond this specific biblical passage and can be found echoed in other parts of scripture, often in discussions of God's faithfulness and generosity towards humanity. The term seventysevenfold therefore encapsulates a theological idea about the nature of divine action and human response within a faith framework.