Matthew 5:46
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 16
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
them which
G3588
τὸ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τίνα
what
G5101
τίνα
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
μισθὸν
reward
G3408
μισθὸν
reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
8 of 16
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
ἔχετε
have ye
G2192
ἔχετε
have ye
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
them which
G3588
τὸ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τελῶναι
the publicans
G5057
τελῶναι
the publicans
Strong's:
G5057
Word #:
13 of 16
a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue
τὸ
them which
G3588
τὸ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 11:19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.Matthew 18:17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.Luke 18:13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.Luke 15:1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.Matthew 6:1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Luke 19:2And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.Luke 19:7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
Historical Context
Tax collectors (publicans) were Jews who collected taxes for Rome, often overcharging and keeping excess. They were despised as traitors and sinners. Yet Jesus notes even they practice reciprocal love—suggesting this minimal standard falls far short of Kingdom ethics.
Questions for Reflection
- How much of your love is merely reciprocal—loving those who benefit you in return?
- What would it cost you to love someone who offers you no benefit or even actively opposes you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Loving only those who love you merits no special reward—even corrupt tax collectors do that much. Such reciprocal love is natural, requiring no grace. Kingdom love goes beyond natural affection to supernatural love for enemies, reflecting God's character rather than mere human capacity.