Matthew Chapter 5 · Verse 42
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίδου·
Give
G1325
δίδου·
Give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 12
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλοντα
from him that would
G2309
θέλοντα
from him that would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
7 of 12
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 12
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Psalms 37:21The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.Romans 12:20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.Ecclesiastes 11:6In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.Daniel 4:27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 commanded lending to poor brothers freely. Jesus radicalizes this to include even enemies. The early church practiced radical sharing, selling possessions to help needy members (Acts 2:45, 4:32-37), creating a powerful witness to Kingdom values.
Questions for Reflection
- How tightly do you grip your possessions versus holding them loosely as God's steward?
- What would it look like to develop a reputation for generosity in your community?
Analysis & Commentary
Generous giving to borrowers opposes natural self-protection and hoarding. It trusts God's provision rather than personal accumulation. This doesn't mandate foolish enabling of destructive behavior, but challenges the grip of materialism and commands open-handed living.