Matthew 5 44

Matthew 5:44 kjv

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:44 nkjv

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

Matthew 5:44 niv

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:44 esv

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:44 nlt

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 44 Meaning

Matthew 5:44 calls believers to a revolutionary, counter-cultural standard of love. Jesus commands His followers to actively love, bless, do good to, and pray for those who express hostility, curse, hate, spitefully use, or persecute them. This teaching elevates the disciple's ethical conduct beyond conventional human reciprocity, mirroring the impartial and benevolent character of God Himself. It challenges followers to break cycles of revenge and hatred by responding with active grace and seeking the welfare of even their adversaries.

Matthew 5 44 Context

Matthew 5:44 is situated within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which lays out the ethics and character expected of those who belong to God's Kingdom. This verse immediately follows Jesus' radical reinterpretation of the commandment to "love your neighbor." Traditionally, and commonly interpreted in various Jewish schools of thought (though not explicitly in the Torah), this commandment was understood to permit, or even necessitate, hatred toward one's enemies—whether personal, sectarian, or national. Jesus directly confronts this prevalent belief, contrasting it with His divine authority, highlighted by "But I say to you." The historical context includes various sectarian groups like the Essenes, some of whom expressed disdain for outsiders. Jesus' teaching served as a polemic against such exclusive and retaliatory mentalities, calling for a radical shift in personal response, one that transcends tribalism and vengeance to embody the character of God.

Matthew 5 44 Word analysis

• But I say to you (Ego de legō hymin): Jesus' authoritative declaration, signifying a radical new standard, directly contrasting the "you have heard that it was said" from Matt 5:43. It underscores His unique divine authority and interpretation of God's will.
• love (agapate from agapaō): Not merely emotional affection (philia) or passionate desire (erōs), but a volitional, sacrificial, self-giving love. It's an active decision of the will to seek the good and well-being of another, regardless of their actions or whether they deserve it. This love imitates God's impartial benevolence.
• your enemies (tous echthrous hymōn): Those who are personally hostile, opposed, or adversary to you. It extends "neighbor" beyond those of similar affinity or belief to include those actively working against one's interests or welfare.
• bless (eulogeite from eulogeō): To speak well of; to invoke divine favor upon; to express goodwill or confer good. It is the antithesis of cursing, proactively wishing God's goodness upon the adversary.
• those who curse you (tous katarōmenous hymas from kataraomai): Those who utter imprecations, damn, or denounce with malevolent intent through words.
• do good (kalopoieite or agathopoieite): To actively perform beneficial, constructive, and righteous deeds. It's not passive non-retaliation, but positive, active benevolence.
• to those who hate you (tois misousin hymas from miseō): Those who harbor deep-seated animosity, detest, or abhor you, displaying intense opposition and ill-will.
• and pray for (kai proseuchesthe hyper from proseuchomai): To entreat God on behalf of another; to intercede. This brings the personal conflict into the spiritual realm, seeking God's intervention, not vengeance, potentially for the enemies' repentance, conversion, and well-being.
• those who spitefully use you (tous epēreazontas hymas): Those who abuse, maliciously exploit, defraud, or slander you with injurious and spiteful words or deeds. It signifies actions that are intentionally demeaning and harmful.
• and persecute you (kai diōkontas hymas from diōkō): To pursue, harass, oppress, or afflict with persistent and often violent hostility, literally "to chase down." It describes sustained active oppression for one's beliefs or identity.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "But I say to you, love your enemies": This radical pronouncement is Jesus' direct counterpoint to societal norms and limited religious interpretations, establishing a new kingdom ethic rooted in agape and embodying divine character.
• "bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you": This escalating list covers various forms of hostility, from verbal abuse to active violence and systematic oppression. Each clause requires a corresponding, counter-intuitive positive response—blessing (verbal), doing good (active deed), and praying (spiritual intercession). This comprehensive and progressive command demands a total reorientation of one's natural human inclinations, moving beyond avoidance or non-retaliation to proactive benevolence.

Matthew 5 44 Bonus section

• The instruction to "hate your enemy" in Matt 5:43, refuted by Jesus, was not an explicit Old Testament commandment but a common misinterpretation or cultural expansion of "love your neighbor." It was often derived from the concept of God's hatred for evil, combined with commands to wage war against specific nations. Jesus corrects this by extending the scope of love to all people, including adversaries.
• This command is radical because it calls for an active, unconditional good will towards individuals who wish you ill. It distinguishes itself from "turn the other cheek" (Matt 5:39) which is about absorbing a personal insult without retaliation, whereas loving enemies moves into active, positive benevolence.
• The ultimate exemplar of Matthew 5:44 is Jesus Christ Himself, who prayed for His executioners from the cross (Luke 23:34). Stephen, the first Christian martyr, also followed this example (Acts 7:60).
• This command is directed at individual believers as part of their personal ethical conduct, not at the role of governing authorities, which are called to administer justice (Rom 13:4). A believer's response to personal grievance is distinct from the state's role in maintaining order.
• Embracing this teaching aligns the believer's character with God's perfect love, ultimately leading to the culmination of Matt 5:48: "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Matthew 5 44 Commentary

Matthew 5:44 represents a foundational command in Christian ethics, distinguishing Christ's followers by an unparalleled standard of love. It commands a proactive, transformative love that challenges human instinct for self-preservation or retaliation. This "agape" love is not about approving the enemy's actions or ignoring justice, but about demonstrating God's character through one's own response, even in the face of suffering. This kind of love fosters reconciliation, breaks cycles of animosity, and is possible only through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. It reflects God's own nature, who grants blessings like sunshine and rain impartially to all (Matt 5:45), irrespective of their moral standing. By extending active good and prayer to adversaries, disciples align themselves with their heavenly Father and become agents of His redemptive love in the world. It frees the believer from the internal burden of hatred and bitterness, replacing it with a divine peace and purpose.

Examples of practical application:

• Refraining from gossiping about someone who has wronged you; instead, genuinely praying for them.
• Actively seeking to understand, and where possible, alleviate the suffering of those who have caused you hardship.
• Responding with kindness to unfair criticism, even offering help if they are in need.