Devine Scripture

Matthew 5:42

What does Matthew 5:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 5:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 5:42 means

Jesus elaborates on the practical outworking of radical generosity, moving beyond the context of aggression or compulsion. He commands His followers to "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." This advocates for an open-handed and benevolent spirit, emphasizing charity and willingness to lend without expecting return. It reflects a heart that trusts God to provide and delights in sharing resources with those in need.

Matthew 5:42 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

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Give to him who comes with a request, and keep not your property from him who would for a time make use of it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to him who is asking of thee be giving, and him who is willing to borrow from thee thou mayest not turn away.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

To him that asks of thee give, and from him that desires to borrow of thee turn not away.

Context

This verse expands the teaching on generosity and selfless giving, following the examples of non-retaliation in the preceding verses. It broadens the scope to include general acts of charity and lending, preparing for the climactic and most challenging command of the Sermon on the Mount: to love one's enemies.

v.41And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

v.42This passage

v.43Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy:

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 15:7

    If there be with thee a poor man, one of thy brethren, within any of thy gates in thy land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother;

  • Psalms 37:21

    The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; But the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17

    Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • Psalms 112:5

    Well is it with the man that dealeth graciously and lendeth; He shall maintain his cause in judgment.

  • Daniel 4:27

    Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

  • Matthew 25:35

    for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;

Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:42

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

  • What Matthew 5:42 teaches us about kingdom ethics

  • What Matthew 5:42 teaches us about inner righteousness

  • What Matthew 5:42 teaches us about true blessedness

  • What Matthew 5:42 teaches us about light and salt

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