Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
say
G3004
λέγω
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 26
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῶν
them which
G3588
τῶν
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθροὺς
enemies
G2190
ἐχθροὺς
enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
7 of 26
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
εὐλογεῖτε
bless
G2127
εὐλογεῖτε
bless
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
9 of 26
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
τῶν
them which
G3588
τῶν
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιεῖτε
do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 26
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῶν
them which
G3588
τῶν
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισοῦντας
to them that hate
G3404
μισοῦντας
to them that hate
Strong's:
G3404
Word #:
16 of 26
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
20 of 26
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τῶν
them which
G3588
τῶν
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 12:14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Luke 23:34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:Acts 7:60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.2 Kings 6:22And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.Psalms 7:4If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
Historical Context
In Roman-occupied Palestine with Zealot revolutionaries advocating violent resistance, Jesus' command was scandalously countercultural. Jewish interpretation of Leviticus 19:18 ('love your neighbor') debated who qualified as neighbor - often excluding Gentiles and enemies. Qumran community rule explicitly commanded hating 'sons of darkness.' Jesus demolishes these boundaries, commanding universal love that mirrors God's indiscriminate grace (5:45). This teaching later shaped Christian pacifism and enemy-love traditions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does loving enemies differ from approving their actions or enabling evil?
- What practical steps can we take to move from natural hostility toward supernatural love for enemies?
- How does praying for persecutors transform both them and us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commands the radical ethic: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you' (Greek: ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν, 'love your enemies'). The verb ἀγαπᾶτε is not emotional affection but volitional commitment to another's good. Four progressive actions are commanded: love (internal disposition), bless (speak well of), do good (act beneficially), pray (intercede for). This overturns natural justice and exceeds Old Testament lex talionis (eye for eye). Such love is supernatural, impossible without divine transformation.