Devine Scripture

Matthew 5:41

What does Matthew 5:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 5:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 5:41 means

Jesus continues to illustrate the principle of non-retaliation and going beyond what is required. He references the Roman custom of compelling someone (like a Jewish subject) to carry a burden for one mile. Jesus instructs His followers, if compelled to go one mile, to willingly go "with him two." This teaches a spirit of willing service, turning a forced obligation into an act of gracious generosity, demonstrating a radical love that transcends resentment and demands.

Matthew 5:41 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 · 2000

And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And whoever makes you go one mile, go with him two.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And whoever shall impress thee one mile, go with him two,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And whosoever will force thee one mile, go with him other two.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And whoever will compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

Context

This verse provides a third, practical example of Jesus' teaching on non-resistance and going beyond what is expected, building on verses 39 and 40. It shows how to transform an imposed burden into an act of selfless service. These illustrations of non-retaliation set the stage for the final and most challenging reinterpretation: loving enemies.

v.40And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

v.41This passage

v.42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 23:26

    And when they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to bear it after Jesus.

Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:41

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Matthew 5:41 teaches us about kingdom ethics

  • What Matthew 5:41 teaches us about inner righteousness

  • What Matthew 5:41 teaches us about true blessedness

  • What Matthew 5:41 teaches us about light and salt

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