Matthew 5:25
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀντίδικος
adversary
G476
ἀντίδικος
adversary
Strong's:
G476
Word #:
4 of 32
an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)
ταχὺ
quickly
G5035
ταχὺ
quickly
Strong's:
G5035
Word #:
6 of 32
shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily
ἕως
whiles
G2193
ἕως
whiles
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
7 of 32
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ
the way
G3598
ὁδῷ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
12 of 32
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
13 of 32
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 32
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μήποτέ
lest at any time
G3379
μήποτέ
lest at any time
Strong's:
G3379
Word #:
15 of 32
not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀντίδικος
adversary
G476
ἀντίδικος
adversary
Strong's:
G476
Word #:
19 of 32
an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπηρέτῃ
to the officer
G5257
ὑπηρέτῃ
to the officer
Strong's:
G5257
Word #:
28 of 32
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
30 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Proverbs 25:8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.Hebrews 3:7Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,Hebrews 12:17For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.Job 22:21Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.Psalms 32:6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.2 Corinthians 6:2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Historical Context
Roman legal system allowed creditors to imprison debtors until payment. The 'officer' (bailiff) would enforce the judge's sentence. Jesus uses this legal reality to illustrate spiritual truth: settle accounts before reaching the point of no return.
Questions for Reflection
- What relationships or spiritual matters are you putting off that need urgent attention?
- How does this passage relate to being reconciled with God through Christ while there is still time?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Quick reconciliation with adversaries prevents escalating consequences. This applies both to legal disputes and spiritual realities. Unresolved sin leads to judgment. The urgency reflects both practical wisdom (settle lawsuits early) and spiritual reality (be reconciled to God before death).