Matthew 5:25

KJV

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

KJV (with Strong's)

Agree {G2468}{G2132} with thine {G4675} adversary {G476} quickly {G5035}, whiles {G2193}{G3755} thou art {G1488} in {G1722} the way {G3598} with {G3326} him {G846}; lest at any time {G3379} the adversary {G476} deliver {G3860} thee {G4571} to the judge {G2923}, and {G2532} the judge {G2923} deliver {G3860} thee {G4571} to the officer {G5257}, and {G2532} thou be cast {G906} into {G1519} prison {G5438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone sues you, come to terms with him quickly, while you and he are on the way to court; or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer of the court, and you may be thrown in jail!

Berean Standard Bible

Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

American Standard Version

Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:25, delivered by Jesus within the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, serves as a pragmatic and urgent exhortation to seek swift reconciliation with an opponent, particularly in the context of a legal or relational dispute. It underscores the wisdom of proactive peacemaking to prevent the escalation of conflict, which can lead to increasingly severe consequences, culminating in imprisonment or a state of dire restriction. This verse extends Jesus's broader call for internal righteousness and relational harmony, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing grievances before they spiral out of control.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus's exposition on true righteousness, following His reinterpretation of the Mosaic Law in the Sermon on the Mount. Specifically, it immediately follows His teaching on anger and reconciliation in [Matthew 5:21-24](/matthew/5-21-24 "Matthew 5:21-24 - Murder, Anger, and Reconciliation"), where He equates unjustified anger with murder and emphasizes the priority of reconciling with a brother before offering a gift at the altar. Matthew 5:25 then extends this principle from interpersonal anger to the practical, potentially legal, implications of unresolved conflict, urging swift action to avoid judicial consequences. It highlights that the righteousness of the Kingdom of God involves not merely refraining from outward sin but actively pursuing peace and justice in relationships.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea operated under a legal system that, while influenced by Roman authority, still retained elements of Jewish law and custom. Disputes could be brought before local magistrates or elders. The process, once initiated, could be slow, costly, and punitive, especially for the debtor or offender. Imprisonment often served not as a primary punishment but as a holding place until a debt was paid or a judgment rendered, with the "officer" (Greek: _hypērétēs_) being a court attendant or bailiff responsible for enforcing the judge's decree. Jesus's illustration would have resonated deeply with His audience, who understood the harsh realities of legal proceedings and the potential for debtors' prisons, where one might remain until the last penny was paid, as alluded to in [Matthew 5:26](/matthew/5-26 "Matthew 5:26 - The Last Penny").
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 5:25 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It reinforces the **urgency of reconciliation**, stressing that prompt action is essential to prevent minor disagreements from escalating into major catastrophes. It highlights the theme of **prudence and wisdom**, advising a pragmatic approach to conflict resolution that prioritizes amicable settlement over contentious litigation, thereby avoiding harsher judgments. Furthermore, it underscores the **consequences of delay and unrighteousness**, illustrating a clear progression of negative outcomes—from initial dispute to judicial judgment, enforcement, and ultimately, imprisonment—for those who fail to resolve conflict. This aligns with Jesus's consistent call for a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing internal transformation and proactive peacemaking, as seen in passages like [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers") and [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Judging Others").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Agree (Greek, _eunoéō_):** This word (G2132) means "to be well-minded" or "to be favorably disposed," implying a willing and amicable settlement rather than a forced concession. It suggests cultivating a spirit of goodwill and seeking a resolution rooted in mutual understanding and concession, not merely avoiding punishment. The KJV's "agree" captures the essence of reaching a favorable accord.
* **adversary (Greek, _antídikos_):** The term (G476) specifically refers to a legal opponent or plaintiff in a lawsuit. While the application extends beyond the courtroom, its primary meaning grounds Jesus's illustration in a concrete judicial context, emphasizing the seriousness of the dispute and the potential for formal legal action. It highlights the one who has a claim against you.
* **way (Greek, _hodós_):** This word (G3598) literally means a "road" or "journey," but figuratively refers to a "mode or means" or "progress." In this context, "in the way with him" signifies being on the journey towards the legal authority, indicating a window of opportunity for resolution before the formal proceedings begin and the situation becomes irreversible. It implies a shared path or process that has not yet reached its final, binding destination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Agree with thine adversary quickly,"**: This opening imperative sets the tone for the entire verse, emphasizing immediate and proactive reconciliation. The "adversary" is someone with a legitimate claim or grievance against you, and the urgency ("quickly") suggests that delay will only exacerbate the problem.
* **"whiles thou art in the way with him;"**: This clause defines the window of opportunity. "In the way" refers to the journey or process leading to judgment, implying that there is still a chance to resolve the dispute privately and amicably before it reaches the official legal system, where one loses control over the outcome.
* **"lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge,"**: This introduces the first negative consequence of failing to agree. The "adversary" (plaintiff) formally hands over the case to the "judge," initiating legal proceedings and surrendering control of the dispute to an external authority.
* **"and the judge deliver thee to the officer,"**: The escalation continues. Once the judge has rendered a verdict, the "officer" (bailiff or court attendant) is tasked with enforcing the judgment, often by taking the condemned into custody. This signifies the loss of freedom and the imposition of external force.
* **"and thou be cast into prison."**: This is the ultimate, most severe consequence in the illustration. Imprisonment, often for debt, meant a complete loss of liberty and the inability to resolve the situation until the full penalty was paid, highlighting the dire and restrictive outcome of unresolved conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in Matthew 5:25 to convey His message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is **Progression**, specifically a **Climax** of escalating negative consequences. The sequence from "adversary" to "judge," then "officer," and finally "prison" vividly illustrates the dire trajectory of unresolved conflict. This step-by-step deterioration serves as a powerful warning, emphasizing that inaction leads to increasingly severe and restrictive outcomes. Furthermore, the entire scenario functions as a **Metaphor** or **Analogy**. While presented as a literal legal dispute, Jesus uses this common experience to illustrate a broader spiritual principle about the urgency of reconciliation in all areas of life, including one's relationship with God. The legal framework provides a tangible, relatable example for an abstract theological truth. The phrase "quickly" also introduces an element of **Urgency**, underscoring the critical importance of immediate action to avert disaster.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:25 offers profound theological and thematic connections, extending beyond mere legal advice to encompass principles of divine justice, human responsibility, and the nature of the Kingdom of God. It underscores the importance of proactive peacemaking as an expression of true righteousness, demonstrating that God values reconciliation and prompt resolution over protracted conflict. The passage implicitly connects to the concept of God's justice, suggesting that just as human judges enforce consequences for unresolved disputes, so too does God require accountability for our actions and relationships. The urgency to "agree quickly" reflects a divine wisdom that seeks to avert greater suffering and calls believers to embody the spirit of reconciliation that is central to the Gospel message.

* [Proverbs 25:8](/proverbs/25-8 "Proverbs 25:8 - Do Not Hasty Go to Court")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")
* [1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "1 Corinthians 6:1-8 - Lawsuits Among Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:25 challenges believers to adopt a proactive and humble posture toward conflict resolution in all areas of life. It calls us to recognize that unresolved disputes, whether personal, relational, or even spiritual, carry escalating consequences. The wisdom imparted is not merely about avoiding legal trouble, but about cultivating a heart that prioritizes peace, reconciliation, and justice. This means being willing to concede, to apologize, to forgive, and to seek common ground, even when we feel we are in the right. It compels us to examine our own contributions to conflict and to take the initiative to mend broken relationships before they fester and lead to greater pain, division, or spiritual stagnation. The pursuit of peace is not a sign of weakness, but of profound spiritual strength and maturity, reflecting the very character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unresolved conflicts or tensions exist in your life right now (e.g., family, friends, colleagues, church)?**
* **What steps can you take "quickly" to initiate reconciliation or resolution in one of these situations?**
* **How might delaying resolution in these areas lead to greater "imprisonment" or negative consequences in your life or relationships?**
* **In what ways does your pride or desire to "be right" hinder your ability to "agree with your adversary quickly"?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "adversary" is Jesus referring to in this verse?**

Answer: While the immediate context and the Greek word _antídikos_ (G476) specifically refer to a legal opponent or plaintiff in a lawsuit, Jesus's teaching extends beyond the courtroom. The "adversary" can represent anyone with whom you have a significant unresolved conflict or grievance – a neighbor, a family member, a business associate, or even a fellow believer. The core principle is about addressing any relationship where there is contention and a potential for escalation, whether it leads to formal legal proceedings or simply to deeply broken relationships and personal distress.

**Is this passage only about avoiding lawsuits, or does it have a broader spiritual meaning?**

Answer: While the illustration uses a legal scenario, the principles are profoundly spiritual and broadly applicable. Jesus is teaching about the urgent need for reconciliation, peacemaking, and the avoidance of escalating conflict in all aspects of life. The "prison" can be understood metaphorically as any state of bondage, regret, or severe consequence—whether emotional, relational, or spiritual—that results from unaddressed sin or unresolved disputes. It's a call to proactive righteousness, extending the themes of [Matthew 5:21-24](/matthew/5-21-24 "Matthew 5:21-24 - Murder, Anger, and Reconciliation") to practical engagement with those who have a claim against us.

**What does "whiles thou art in the way with him" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Whiles thou art in the way with him" (Greek: _hodós_, G3598) signifies the window of opportunity that exists before a dispute reaches its point of no return. Practically, it means resolving the issue while it is still a personal matter, before it becomes public, formalized, or involves external authorities. It's the time when both parties are still "on the road" together, perhaps physically heading to court, but more broadly, still in a position to negotiate and settle amicably. Once the case is "delivered to the judge," control is lost, and the consequences become far more severe and difficult to reverse, leading to the "officer" and "prison."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:25, while offering practical wisdom for human relationships, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who enables us to "agree with our adversary" in the most significant sense: our reconciliation with God. Humanity, by its sin, stands as an "adversary" to a holy God, facing the ultimate "Judge" and the eternal "prison" of separation from Him. However, while we were "in the way" – living our lives, yet condemned by sin – God sent His Son. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, became the means by which we can "agree" with God, making peace through His shed blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He took upon Himself the judgment we deserved, so that we might avoid the eternal consequences. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is "the way" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"))—the only path to true reconciliation with God. By trusting in Him, we are delivered from the condemnation of the Judge and the eternal "prison" of hell, receiving instead forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. This ultimate act of reconciliation by Christ empowers believers to live out the principles of Matthew 5:25 in their daily lives, seeking peace and reconciliation with others, knowing that they themselves have been reconciled to God through the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:58

When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Luke 12:59

I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Proverbs 25:8

¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Hebrews 3:13

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Luke 14:31

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Luke 14:32

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: