Keraia
Matthew 5

Matthew 5:40

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

Translations

Modern
…if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well;
Traditional
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
Literal
And the one wanting to sue you and to take your tunic, yield to him also the cloak.
Latin
…et ei, qui vult tecum judicio contendere, et tunicam tuam tollere, dimitte ei et pallium:

Original

Greek
English
…if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well;

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 Jesus Christ, Teachings of Moses Psalms, Book of Reward Sea of Galilee

Topics

Actions at Law: Duty of Defendant Annoying People Christian Conduct: Submitting to Injuries Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Debtor: Laws Concerning Dress: Sleeveless Shirt, Called Coat Forgiveness of Enemies Instruction in Religion Judaism: The Religion of the Jews: To Make Room for the Gospel Law: Temporary Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness: His Teaching Religion: True Retaliation: General Scriptures Concerning Revenge: Forbidden by Our Lord Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Suing: General Scriptures Concerning