Fellow servants is the same noun used in verses 28 and 29. For many translators, “the king’s other servants (or, officials)” is a natural expression.

Distressed, a verb signifying shock and amazement, is used in the Septuagint of Nehemiah 5.6; Jonah 4.4, 9. The story would have been shocking to Jesus’ disciples also, since it was not customary to imprison a person for debt in Palestine.

Their lord is translated “the king” by Good News Translation. See comment at verse 27, where “the lord of that servant” is also translated “the king” by Good News Translation. In addition, see verse 34.

Reported translates a verb that may be used when a man reports to his superior. Elsewhere in the New Testament it is found only in 13.36. Here “told the king” is probably acceptable.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .