Commentators explain that the 'mite' (Greek: lepton) was the smallest Jewish coin in circulation. By specifying that the debt must be paid to the 'very last mite,' Jesus emphasizes the absolute and total nature of the required payment. One scholar notes this reflects Jewish legal practice, where a debt was demanded down to the final penny, with no mercy shown in judgment. This illustrates the complete and inescapable consequence of failing to settle the account.