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Matthew 5:44

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:44

Verse 44 of 48

Scripture focus

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;

Matthew 5:44 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:44

Theological / Devotional

But I say. See v. 22.

Love your enemies. Compare Rom. 12:20. Agapan denotes love of respect, contrasting with philein, emotional love within families (Matt. 5:43). The command would be impossible if requiring philein for enemies. Philein is spontaneous and emotional, not commanded in NT. Agapan is commanded, under will’s control. To agapan enemies is to treat them with respect and courtesy as God does.

Bless. Some ancient manuscripts omit the second and third clauses and “despitefully use you.” According to these, Christ said simply, “Love your enemies, pray for them that persecute you.” Compare Luke 6:27,28.

By SdaBc