Matthew 5:44

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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;

Literal

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those persecuting you,

Latin

Ego autem dico vobis: diligite inimicos vestros, benefacite his qui oderunt vos, et orate pro persequentibus et calumniantibus vos:

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

Matthew 5:43–47

Hate your enemy: Jesus is not rejecting the Old Testament. Instead, he is correcting a traditional interpretation that was mistaken (see Exodus 23:4–5). The Old Testament never commands people to “hate your enemy.” The closest verses are in Psalm 139:21–22, where hatred is expressed toward God’s enemies.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses “I Am” Sayings of Jesus Biblical Law Citizenship in the Kingdom Dealing with Conflict Faith and Good Deeds Giving up Rights Prayers for Vengeance The Family Redeemer

Events

Sermon on the Mountc. AD 28

Related verses

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.
1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Luke 6:27–28
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Romans 12:20–21
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Proverbs 25:21–22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
Acts 7:60
Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Luke 6:34–35
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
1 Corinthians 4:12–13
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
2 Kings 6:22
“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.”
1 Corinthians 13:4–8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Matthew 5:44

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics