Matthew 5:43
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλησίον
neighbour
G4139
πλησίον
neighbour
Strong's:
G4139
Word #:
6 of 12
(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μισήσεις
hate
G3404
μισήσεις
hate
Strong's:
G3404
Word #:
9 of 12
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Leviticus 19:18Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.Matthew 19:19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Deuteronomy 23:6Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.James 2:8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:Psalms 41:10But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
Historical Context
While the OT commanded love for neighbors, it also commanded destruction of Canaanites and sometimes harsh treatment of enemies. Some Jews extrapolated that hating enemies was permissible or even righteous. The Qumran community explicitly taught hating 'sons of darkness.'
Questions for Reflection
- How do you justify hatred or hostility toward certain groups or individuals?
- What cultural or political enemies are you most tempted to hate rather than love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command to love neighbors was clear (Leviticus 19:18), but 'hate thine enemy' was an addition never commanded by God. Jewish tradition sometimes justified hostility toward Gentiles and enemies. Jesus exposes this distortion and will command the radical alternative: enemy-love.