Matthew 5:24

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

Leave {G863} there {G1563} thy {G4675} gift {G1435} before {G1715} the altar {G2379}, and {G2532} go thy way {G5217}; first {G4412} be reconciled {G1259} to thy {G4675} brother {G80}, and {G2532} then {G5119} come {G2064} and offer {G4374} thy {G4675} gift {G1435}.

leave your gift where it is by the altar, and go, make peace with your brother. Then come back and offer your gift.

leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

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

Commentary

Matthew 5:24 (KJV) is a powerful and counter-cultural teaching from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the supreme importance of relational harmony over religious ritual. This verse directly follows Jesus' instruction about dealing with anger towards one's brother (Matthew 5:21-23), setting a high standard for interpersonal conduct within the community of faith.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on righteousness, where He reinterprets and deepens the understanding of the Mosaic Law. He moves beyond mere external obedience to address the internal attitudes and heart condition. The scenario presented—a person bringing a gift to the altar for worship—was a common practice in Jewish life. Gifts could be sacrifices, offerings, or donations. Jesus interrupts this sacred act to highlight a more fundamental spiritual truth: that God values sincere relationships and peace among His people above all ritualistic performance. This teaching challenges the prevailing notion that religious duties alone suffice for righteousness.

Key Themes

  • Priority of Reconciliation: Jesus unequivocally states that resolving interpersonal conflict takes precedence over acts of worship. A broken relationship with a fellow human being hinders one's communion with God. This underscores the idea that love for God cannot be separated from love for one's neighbor.
  • Genuine Worship: The verse implies that worship offered from a heart holding unforgiveness or unresolved conflict is unacceptable to God. True worship stems from a pure heart and right relationships. It's not just about the act, but the attitude and condition of the worshiper.
  • Active Peacemaking: The command "go thy way; first be reconciled" is an imperative for active pursuit of peace. It places the responsibility on the individual bringing the offering to initiate the reconciliation, even if they perceive themselves as the offended party.

Linguistic Insights

The term "reconciled" (Greek: diallassō or katallassō in related contexts) signifies a change from enmity to friendship, a restoration of harmony. While diallassō specifically means "to exchange" or "to reconcile," the broader New Testament concept of reconciliation (katallassō) speaks to the restoration of a relationship that has been broken, often implying mutual concession or forgiveness to achieve peace. Jesus emphasizes that this must happen first, before the religious duty is completed.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:24 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to examine their relationships and actively seek peace and reconciliation with those they have offended or who have offended them. Before engaging in corporate worship, prayer, or service, we are reminded to address any unresolved conflicts or bitterness in our hearts. This principle applies not only to major disputes but also to minor grievances that can fester and hinder spiritual growth. It teaches that our horizontal relationships (with others) are inextricably linked to our vertical relationship (with God). True worship is holistic, encompassing both our devotion to God and our love for humanity.

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Cross-References

  • James 5:16 (14 votes)

    Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  • Romans 12:17 (9 votes)

    Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

  • Romans 12:18 (9 votes)

    If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

  • Matthew 18:15 (7 votes)

    Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

  • Matthew 18:17 (7 votes)

    And 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.

  • 1 Peter 3:7 (5 votes)

    Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

  • 1 Peter 3:8 (5 votes)

    ¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous: