Keraia
Matthew 5

Matthew 5:38

Love Your Enemies · Matthew 5:38–48
Read Matthew 5

Translations

Modern
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’
Traditional
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Literal
You heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’
Latin
Audistis quia dictum est: Oculum pro oculo, et dentem pro dente.

Original

Greek
English
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’

Notes

Matthew 5:38–42

The Old Testament allowed fair retribution (payback) (Exodus 21:24–25; Deuteronomy 19:16–21) to keep punishments from being too severe. Yet, Jesus does not allow personal revenge for his disciples. Instead, Jesus teaches finding victory through suffering and the cross (1 Peter 2:23).

Some consider this teaching as a guide for all aspects of life, including politics. Others consider it to apply to personal willingness to give up rights and forgive as God forgives (see Matt 5:48; 18:23–35). Like the servant in Isaiah 50:4–9 and 53:7 (see also Matthew 12:15–21), the followers of Jesus should apply this virtue to honor, possessions, time, or property. True righteousness does not demand its own way.

Matthew 5:21–47

You have heard … But I tell you: Jesus contrasts his teachings to six misunderstandings of the law. Each example shows the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals God's will, which contrasts with human traditions.

Events

Parallels

Leviticus 24:17–23 Luke 6:27–36

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Discipline First Letter to the Corinthians Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Imprecatory Psalms Jesus Christ Moses Psalms, Book of Reward Sea of Galilee

Topics

Assault and Battery: Laws Concerning Breaking Up Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Death Penalty Defending Yourself God's Vengeance Gun Control Hating Others Hating People How to Treat your Enemies Instruction in Religion Judaism: The Religion of the Jews: To Make Room for the Gospel Killing in Self Defense Law: Temporary Legions Making Mistakes Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness: His Teaching Mind Control Protection Quotations and Allusions in the New Testament From, and To, the Old Testament Religion: True Retaliation: General Scriptures Concerning Retribution Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance Standing Up for Yourself The Death Penalty The Enemy The Eye: Punishment for Injuring Threats Turn the Other Cheek Turning the Other Cheek Violence Weapons