Matthew 5:25

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.

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}.

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!

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.

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

Matthew 5:25, found within the profound teachings of Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, offers a powerful exhortation on the urgency of reconciliation and dispute resolution.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching on anger and the importance of reconciling with one's brother before offering a gift at the altar. It extends the principle of internal righteousness, moving from personal anger to the practical implications of unresolved conflict, particularly in a legal or relational sense. Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness involves proactive peacemaking and avoiding the escalation of disputes.

Key Themes

  • Urgency of Reconciliation: The phrase "agree... quickly" highlights the critical need to address conflicts promptly, before they fester and lead to more severe consequences.
  • Prudence and Wisdom: Jesus advises a pragmatic approach to disputes, suggesting that it is wiser to settle matters out of court, or before they become entrenched, rather than facing the full, potentially harsh, process of legal judgment.
  • Consequences of Delay: The progression from "adversary" to "judge," "officer," and finally "prison" illustrates the escalating negative outcomes of unresolved conflict.

Linguistic Insights

The term "adversary" in the KJV text comes from the Greek word antidikos (ἀντίδικος), which specifically refers to a legal opponent or plaintiff in a lawsuit. This underscores the judicial context of Jesus' illustration. The word "agree" (eunoeō, εὐνοέω) means "to be well-minded" or "to be favorably disposed," implying a willing and amicable settlement rather than a forced concession. This suggests seeking a resolution rooted in a spirit of goodwill, not just avoiding punishment.

Practical Application

While the immediate context of Matthew 5:25 is a legal dispute, its principles extend broadly to all areas of life and relationships. It teaches us to:

  • Address Conflict Promptly: Do not let grudges or disagreements linger. Seek to resolve issues quickly with those with whom you have contention, whether in family, friendships, or business. This aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs 25:8, which advises against hasty litigation.
  • Seek Peace: It is always better to pursue peace and reconciliation than to insist on one's "rights" to the point of destructive escalation. As Romans 12:18 encourages, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
  • Consider the Spiritual Dimension: Beyond human courts, this passage can also serve as a metaphorical warning about settling accounts with God. Before the ultimate judgment, it is wise to make peace through Christ, acknowledging our need for forgiveness and seeking reconciliation with our Creator.

Matthew 5:25 is a timeless call to wisdom, humility, and the proactive pursuit of peace, saving us from greater troubles both in this life and eternally.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 12:58 (25 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 25:8 (19 votes)

    ¶ 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 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 55:6 (12 votes)

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