Matthew 5:45
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
That
G3704
ὅπως
That
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 24
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
γένησθε
ye may be
G1096
γένησθε
ye may be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 24
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
υἱοὶ
the children
G5207
υἱοὶ
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
3 of 24
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὸς
Father
G3962
πατρὸς
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 24
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
9 of 24
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 24
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
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
πονηροὺς
the evil
G4190
πονηροὺς
the evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
16 of 24
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
21 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
δικαίους
the just
G1342
δικαίους
the just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
22 of 24
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
Cross References
Psalms 145:9The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.Luke 6:35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.Job 25:3Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?Ephesians 5:1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Historical Context
Ancient cultures, including Jewish and pagan, typically limited love to one's own group. Jesus's teaching was revolutionary, extending love even to occupying Roman forces and hostile religious leaders. This became Christian distinctiveness that attracted notice and converts.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are your 'enemies'—people you struggle to love and pray for with genuine goodwill?
- How does God's common grace giving good gifts to all people challenge your selective kindness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Enemy-love and prayer for persecutors reveal family resemblance to your Heavenly Father. God's common grace—sending rain and sun on righteous and wicked alike—models impartial benevolence. As God's children, Christians must reflect His indiscriminate kindness, not showing favoritism or withholding love based on merit.