Matthew 5:47
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 16
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἀσπάσησθε
ye salute
G782
ἀσπάσησθε
ye salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
3 of 16
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
περισσὸν
ye more
G4053
περισσὸν
ye more
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
9 of 16
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
ποιοῦσιν
do
G4160
ποιοῦσιν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 16
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τελῶναι
the publicans
G5057
τελῶναι
the publicans
Strong's:
G5057
Word #:
14 of 16
a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue
Cross References
Matthew 5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.Luke 6:32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.1 Peter 2:20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
Historical Context
Greeting in ancient culture involved not just acknowledgment but blessing and friendship. To limit greetings to one's own group was tribal thinking. Jesus calls His followers to practice boundary-crossing love that violates social norms for Kingdom purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you practice hospitality and friendship toward those outside your normal social circles?
- What would your neighbors or coworkers identify as distinctively Christian about your kindness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Greeting only your brothers is ordinary behavior that even pagans practice. Christians must exceed this baseline, showing kindness to outsiders, strangers, and enemies. This distinctive love becomes visible witness to the transforming power of the gospel and God's indiscriminate grace.