Matthew 5:23
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Original Language Analysis
Ἐὰν
if
G1437
Ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
προσφέρῃς
thou bring
G4374
προσφέρῃς
thou bring
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
3 of 19
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυσιαστήριον
the altar
G2379
θυσιαστήριον
the altar
Strong's:
G2379
Word #:
9 of 19
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
μνησθῇς
rememberest
G3415
μνησθῇς
rememberest
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
11 of 19
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφός
brother
G80
ἀδελφός
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
14 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Mark 11:25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.Matthew 5:24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.Matthew 8:4And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.Matthew 23:19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?Luke 19:8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.1 Samuel 15:22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.Hosea 6:6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Historical Context
Temple worship involved bringing sacrifices to the altar. This was considered the highest act of devotion. Jesus shockingly says even this must be interrupted if reconciliation is needed—showing that love for others is inseparable from love for God.
Questions for Reflection
- Is there anyone you need to reconcile with before you can worship God authentically?
- How does unresolved conflict poison your prayer life and worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Worship means nothing if relationships are broken. Before offering sacrifice, reconciliation must occur. Jesus prioritizes horizontal relationships as essential to vertical worship. God refuses gifts from those unwilling to make peace with others.