Matthew 5:24
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
6 of 22
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυσιαστηρίου
the altar
G2379
θυσιαστηρίου
the altar
Strong's:
G2379
Word #:
8 of 22
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὕπαγε
go thy way
G5217
ὕπαγε
go thy way
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
10 of 22
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
διαλλάγηθι
be reconciled
G1259
διαλλάγηθι
be reconciled
Strong's:
G1259
Word #:
12 of 22
to change thoroughly, i.e., (mentally) to conciliate
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῷ
brother
G80
ἀδελφῷ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
14 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
17 of 22
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐλθὼν
come
G2064
ἐλθὼν
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
18 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρόσφερε
and offer
G4374
πρόσφερε
and offer
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
19 of 22
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
Cross References
James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Job 42:8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.Proverbs 25:9Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:1 Timothy 2:8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Historical Context
Leaving a gift at the altar would have been shocking—the sacrifice was valuable (an animal) and the journey to Jerusalem difficult. Yet Jesus insists relationships matter more than religious ritual. This echoes prophetic calls for justice over sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'gifts' or religious activities do you offer God while avoiding necessary reconciliation?
- How can you take initiative in reconciliation even when you believe you're the offended party?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'leave there thy gift' before the altar demonstrates the radical priority of reconciliation. First reconcile, then worship. This doesn't suggest earning God's favor through peacemaking, but that true worship flows from a heart committed to peace and reconciliation.