Matthew 5 47

Matthew 5:47 kjv

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Matthew 5:47 nkjv

And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

Matthew 5:47 niv

And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Matthew 5:47 esv

And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Matthew 5:47 nlt

If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 47 Meaning

Matthew 5:47 challenges believers to a level of love that transcends common human partiality. It questions the spiritual value of showing kindness, respect, or goodwill only to those within one's immediate social or religious circle, asserting that even publicans (tax collectors), who were despised for their associations and perceived corrupt practices, extend such basic group solidarity to their own. True discipleship demands going "above and beyond" by extending unconditional goodwill and respect to all, reflecting the impartial and expansive nature of God's love for all humanity, good and evil alike.

Matthew 5 47 Context

Matthew 5:47 is embedded within the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7), a foundational discourse delivered by Jesus early in His ministry that outlines the ethics and character of citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Specifically, this verse is part of Jesus' teaching on exceeding conventional righteousness, known as the "antitheses" (Mt 5:21-48), where He challenges and expands on the traditional interpretations of the Old Covenant Law. The direct preceding context is Jesus' command to "love your enemies" (Mt 5:43-48), presenting a radical departure from the common interpretation of "love your neighbor" that often excluded adversaries. Historically and culturally, in first-century Jewish society, showing respect and solidarity was generally reserved for fellow Jews or those within one's family or religious sect. Publicans, Roman-appointed Jewish tax collectors, were vehemently despised as collaborators and often seen as corrupt outcasts. By using them as an example of common, limited social kindness, Jesus underscored that disciples are called to an extraordinary love that mirrors God's impartial beneficence, not merely human partiality.

Matthew 5 47 Word analysis

• "And if ye salute" (Καὶ ἐὰν ἀσπάσησθε - Kai ean aspasethe): The Greek word aspazomai signifies more than just a casual wave or greeting. It implies showing respect, acknowledging another's worth, wishing well, or actively extending welcome and fellowship. Jesus questions a limited application of this significant social gesture.
• "your brethren" (τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ὑμῶν - tous adelphous hymon): This refers to fellow members of one's family, kinship group, ethnic community (fellow Jews), or religious association. It defines the 'in-group' or familiar circle to whom affection and recognition would naturally be shown.
• "only" (μόνον - monon): This crucial adverb denotes exclusivity or limitation. It highlights the deficiency and partiality inherent in restricting expressions of goodwill solely to those with whom one shares a common bond or affinity.
• "what do ye more than others?" (τί περισσὸν ποιεῖτε - ti perisson poieite): Perisson means "what is extraordinary," "superabundant," "exceeding," or "beyond the usual." This rhetorical question challenges the disciples' actions, pressing them to demonstrate a distinct and superior quality of righteousness, one that rises above the commonplace or expected.
• "do not even the publicans so?" (οὐχὶ καὶ οἱ τελῶναι τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν - ouchi kai hoi telōnai to auto poiousin): This is a powerful rhetorical comparison. Telōnai (publicans or tax collectors) were deeply reviled Jews, viewed as betrayers, extortionists, and morally corrupt. By equating limited acts of kindness to their common behavior, Jesus shames His audience, compelling them to recognize that merely doing what is reciprocal or self-serving falls far short of Kingdom standards.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "salute your brethren only": This phrase defines the specific type of limited love Jesus is critiquing. It's an expression of warmth, recognition, and welcome that is confined to those already known or within one's accepted social or familial circle, indicating an exclusive rather than an expansive form of love.
  • "what do ye more than others?": This question serves as a direct challenge to the distinction of the Kingdom citizen. If the believer's behavior—even in seemingly good acts—is no different in scope or depth than that of a non-believer, where is the tangible evidence of a transformative power at work? It implies a need for a unique and elevated standard.
  • "do not even the publicans so?": This damning comparison brings the critique into sharp relief. By likening their limited kindness to that of the socially ostracized tax collectors, Jesus underscores that such conduct is merely a basic human tendency for self-preservation or group cohesion, not the higher, God-like love expected from His followers. It stripped away any claim to superior righteousness based on such narrow actions.

Matthew 5 47 Bonus section

This verse provides a crucial practical illustration of agape love, differentiating it from common human affections such as philia (brotherly love or friendship) or storge (familial love). The "more than others" quality, or perisson, is the tangible manifestation of divine love dwelling within believers. It signifies that Christian righteousness isn't merely adhering to external rules or limited social obligations, but encompasses an internal disposition that overflows in generous, indiscriminate goodwill. This teaching fundamentally redefines the scope of the Christian's "neighbor" to include all individuals, regardless of their social standing, personal character, or prior relationship to the believer, thus mirroring the boundless love of God for His creation (Mt 5:45). It’s a cornerstone for understanding radical, Christ-like discipleship.

Matthew 5 47 Commentary

Matthew 5:47 profoundly teaches that the righteousness of Kingdom citizens must exceed mere human convention or reciprocal favor. It is insufficient for believers to simply show kindness and love to those who are already within their immediate social or familial group. This type of restricted affection is commonplace and practiced even by those considered unrighteous, like the tax collectors. Jesus challenges His followers to manifest a distinctive, transcendent love—a love (agape) that actively reaches out impartially and unconditionally, reflecting the nature of God Himself who "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good." This "more" is not about a performance for reward, but about an intrinsic outpouring of a transformed heart, which authentically sets apart a true disciple from worldly patterns of behavior. It’s a call to exemplify divine character in daily interactions, making evident the presence of God's transformative power.