Matthew 5:24
What does Matthew 5:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 5:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 5:24 means
Continuing the illustration from verse 23, Jesus instructs that rather than proceed with the offering, the individual should immediately leave the gift at the altar and prioritize being reconciled with their brother. Only after this personal reconciliation is achieved should they return to offer their gift. This demonstrates that right relationships with others are prerequisite to acceptable worship and reveal a true understanding of the spiritual intent behind God's commands.
Matthew 5:24 in context
Matthew 5 — The Beatitudes
Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with eight pronouncements that turn the world's value system upside down. Blessing belongs not to the proud and self-sufficient but to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. In a few sentences he sketches the character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and then calls them salt of the earth and light of the world.
- Kingdom ethics
- Inner righteousness
- True blessedness
- Light and salt
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949While your offering is still before the altar, first go and make peace with your brother, then come and make your offering.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862leave there thy gift before the altar, and go--first be reconciled to thy brother, and then having come bring thy gift.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother, and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890leave there thy gift before the altar, and first go, be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Context
This verse directly concludes the illustration begun in verse 23, providing the explicit command for immediate reconciliation. It underscores the profound importance of mended relationships over religious ritual, setting a high standard for interpersonal conduct that contrasts with superficial righteousness, and leading into further advice on dealing with adversaries.
v.23If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,
v.24This passage
v.25Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:17
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
- 1 Corinthians 11:28
But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
- Mark 9:50
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost its saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace one with another.
- Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself, And disclose not the secret of another;
- James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
- James 5:16
Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:24
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Matthew 5:24 teaches us about kingdom ethics
What Matthew 5:24 teaches us about inner righteousness
What Matthew 5:24 teaches us about true blessedness
What Matthew 5:24 teaches us about light and salt
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