New Testament
Matthew 5:47
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If you only greet your brothers, what are you doing that's any different? Even the tax collectors do that.
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And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
What Matthew 5:47 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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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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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 5:47 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.
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