144 Here the English word “cent” is used as opposed to the parallel in Matt 5:26 where “penny” appears, since the Greek word there is different and refers to a different but similar coin. This cent was a lepton, the smallest coin available. It was copper or bronze, worth one-half of a quadrans or 1/128 of a denarius. The parallel in Matt 5:26 mentions the quadrans instead of the lepton. The illustration refers to the debt one owes God and being sure to settle with him in the right time, before it is too late. Some interpreters, however, consider it to be like Matt 5:26, which has similar imagery but a completely different context.

In other versions

I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.”

And if that happens, you won’t be free again until you have paid the very last penny.”

I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid back even the last cent!”

I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

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