New Testament
Matthew 5:42
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Give to anyone who asks you, and don't turn away from someone who wants to borrow from you.
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Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
What Matthew 5:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches about generosity and the importance of being open-hearted towards others. He encourages us to give to anyone who asks for help, whether it be in the form of money or resources. The message emphasizes that we should not refuse those who wish to borrow from us, highlighting a spirit of kindness and willingness to assist others in need. This teaching challenges us to examine our attitudes towards giving and sharing, urging us to be less self-centered and more compassionate. It reflects the broader principle of love and support within the community, suggesting that our resources are not just for our own benefit but should also be shared with those who are less fortunate. By practicing this generosity, we embody the values of empathy and charity that Jesus exemplified, fostering a sense of unity and care among people.
How to apply Matthew 5:42 to your life
To apply this teaching, we can look for opportunities to help those in need around us. Whether it’s lending money, sharing resources, or offering our time, we should strive to be generous and responsive to requests for help, reflecting Christ's love in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 5:42 mean?
Matthew 5:42 teaches about the importance of generosity and being open-hearted. It encourages us to give to anyone who asks for help and not to refuse those who want to borrow from us.
What is the meaning of generosity in Matthew 5:42?
In Matthew 5:42, generosity means being willing to share our resources and support others in need. It emphasizes the value of kindness and compassion towards those who seek assistance.
How can I apply Matthew 5:42 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 5:42 by actively looking for ways to help those around you. This could involve lending money, sharing resources, or simply offering your time to assist someone in need.
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