New Testament

Matthew 5:47

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus challenges His followers to reflect on their behavior towards others.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

If you only greet your brothers, what are you doing that's any different? Even the tax collectors do that.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus challenges His followers to reflect on their behavior towards others. He points out that merely greeting or being friendly to those who are like us—our friends and family—does not set us apart from others, including those who are considered sinners, like tax collectors. The implication is that true love and kindness should extend beyond our immediate circles to include everyone, even those we might not naturally connect with. This teaching emphasizes the importance of loving our enemies and showing kindness to all, regardless of their status or relationship to us. By doing so, we demonstrate a higher standard of love that reflects God's character, which is inclusive and unconditional. Jesus calls His followers to rise above societal norms and to embody a love that is transformative and expansive, challenging them to be agents of change in a world that often divides people into groups based on status or behavior. Explore related inclusivity.

Key themes

Related topics

inclusivity, kindness, love

How to apply Matthew 5:47 to your life

To apply this teaching, we should actively seek to greet and show kindness to those outside our usual circles. This could mean reaching out to neighbors we don’t know well, being friendly to coworkers, or even extending a hand to those we might disagree with. By doing this, we embody the love Jesus calls us to.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 5:47 mean?

Matthew 5:47 means that simply greeting or being friendly to those who are similar to us does not distinguish us from others, including those who are considered sinners. Jesus encourages His followers to extend their kindness beyond their immediate circles.

What is the meaning of 'salute your brethren' in Matthew 5:47?

'Salute your brethren' refers to greeting or showing friendliness to friends and family. Jesus points out that this behavior is common and does not reflect a higher standard of love.

How can I apply Matthew 5:47 in my life?

You can apply Matthew 5:47 by actively reaching out to people outside your usual social circles, such as neighbors or coworkers. This practice helps you embody the love and kindness that Jesus teaches.

What does Jesus teach us in Matthew 5:47?

In Matthew 5:47, Jesus teaches that true love and kindness should extend beyond our friends and family to include everyone, even those we might not naturally connect with. This reflects a higher standard of love.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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