Matthew 5:23

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Therefore {G3767} if {G1437} thou bring {G4374} thy {G4675} gift {G1435} to {G1909} the altar {G2379}, and there {G2546} rememberest {G3415} that {G3754} thy {G4675} brother {G80} hath {G2192} ought {G5100} against {G2596} thee {G4675};

So if you are offering your gift at the Temple altar and you remember there that your brother has something against you,

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,

Commentary

Matthew 5:23 (KJV) is a pivotal verse from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the profound connection between human relationships and one's relationship with God. It challenges conventional understanding of worship by prioritizing reconciliation over ritual.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus's radical reinterpretation and deepening of the Mosaic Law, particularly following His teaching on anger and murder in Matthew 5:21-22. Jesus extends the concept of righteousness beyond mere external obedience to include the internal disposition of the heart and the quality of interpersonal relationships. The "gift to the altar" refers to the common practice of bringing sacrifices or offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem as an act of worship or atonement.

Key Themes

  • Priority of Reconciliation: Jesus explicitly states that resolving conflict with a "brother" (a fellow believer or neighbor) takes precedence even over an act of worship as sacred as bringing a gift to the altar. This highlights that true devotion to God cannot be separated from one's conduct towards others.
  • Integrity of Worship: The verse teaches that genuine worship is not merely an outward act but must flow from a heart that is right with God and with fellow humans. An unresolved grievance acts as a barrier to acceptable worship.
  • Active Peacemaking: It places the responsibility on the individual bringing the gift to remember and address any outstanding issues. This proactive approach to peacemaking is a hallmark of Kingdom living.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "gift" is dōron (δῶρον), which refers to a present, offering, or sacrifice. The "altar" (θυσιαστήριον - thysiastērion) is the place of sacrifice. The phrase "hath ought against thee" (ἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ - echei ti kata sou) signifies that someone has a grievance, resentment, or an unresolved issue against you. It implies that you are the cause, or perceived cause, of their hurt, requiring you to initiate the process of reconciliation.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:23 calls believers to a higher standard of spiritual readiness. Before approaching God in prayer, worship, or service, we are encouraged to examine our hearts and relationships. If we are aware of someone having a legitimate grievance against us, our first spiritual duty is to seek reconciliation. This doesn't mean we must wait for the other person to forgive us entirely, but that we must make the effort to address the issue. This principle reminds us that our horizontal relationships (with others) profoundly impact our vertical relationship (with God). The instruction to "go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift" is completed in Matthew 5:24, underscoring the urgency and priority of this command.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 11:25 (43 votes)

    And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

  • Leviticus 6:2 (12 votes)

    If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;

  • Leviticus 6:6 (12 votes)

    And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:

  • Matthew 5:24 (10 votes)

    Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

  • Matthew 8:4 (8 votes)

    And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

  • Matthew 23:19 (6 votes)

    [Ye] fools and blind: for whether [is] greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

  • Luke 19:8 (5 votes)

    And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold.