Matthew 5:40

KJV

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have [thy] cloke also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if any man will {G2309} sue {G2919} thee {G4671} at the law {G2919}, and {G2532} take away {G2983} thy {G4675} coat {G5509}, let {G863} him {G846} have {G863} thy cloke {G2440} also {G2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone wants to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well!

Berean Standard Bible

if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well;

American Standard Version

And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 5:40, Jesus challenges His followers to a radical ethic of non-retaliation and extraordinary generosity, particularly in the face of legal disputes or personal injustice. Moving beyond the prevailing "eye for an eye" principle, He instructs believers to surrender even more than what is demanded, advocating for a spirit that prioritizes peace, love, and detachment from material possessions over the assertion of personal rights or the pursuit of retribution. This teaching calls for a counter-cultural response that reflects the values of God's Kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount"), specifically within a series of "antitheses" (Matthew 5:21-48) where Jesus reinterprets traditional Jewish law, often with the phrase "You have heard that it was said... But I tell you..." This particular instruction immediately follows Jesus' teaching on [turning the other cheek](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turning the Other Cheek"), directly countering the *lex talionis* ("an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth") principle mentioned in [Matthew 5:38](/matthew/5-38 "Matthew 5:38 - The Law of Retaliation"). The progression from physical assault to legal dispute demonstrates Jesus' comprehensive call for non-retaliation across various forms of injustice. The teaching also anticipates the instruction in [Matthew 5:41](/matthew/5-41 "Matthew 5:41 - Going the Extra Mile"), which calls for going beyond what is merely demanded.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a society with established legal systems, both Jewish (Sanhedrin, local courts) and Roman, where disputes over property and debts were common. The "coat" (Greek: *chitōn*) was an inner tunic, a basic garment worn by everyone. The "cloke" (Greek: *himátion*) was the outer garment, a more substantial and valuable cloak that often served multiple purposes: it was used as a blanket at night, a mat during the day, and could even be used as collateral for a loan. Jewish law, as found in [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26-27 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Law Concerning a Neighbor's Cloak"), specifically protected a poor person's cloak from being kept overnight if taken as collateral, highlighting its essential nature. For someone to sue for the inner tunic was already a significant demand; to then give the outer cloak as well would be an act of profound vulnerability and self-impoverishment, demonstrating a complete disregard for personal rights and material security in favor of a higher spiritual principle.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 5:40 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' broader teaching. It underscores **Radical Generosity**, urging a level of giving that far exceeds legal or social expectations, demonstrating a spirit that values peace and love over material possessions or personal rights. This ties into **Non-Retaliation**, where instead of fighting for what is "owed" or taken, the teaching advocates for yielding, even to the point of further loss, to avoid conflict and embody a different spirit. The instruction also exemplifies **Going the Extra Mile**, a concept further developed in [Matthew 5:41](/matthew/5-41 "Matthew 5:41 - The Principle of Going the Extra Mile"), illustrating a willingness to give more than demanded, moving from passive non-resistance to active, sacrificial generosity. Ultimately, this verse presents a **Kingdom Ethic**, a counter-cultural approach to injustice and personal rights that reflects the values of God's kingdom, where love, mercy, and self-sacrifice prevail over worldly notions of justice and retribution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sue (Greek, _krínō_):** This verb properly means "to distinguish, i.e., decide (mentally or judicially)." By implication, it can mean to try, condemn, or punish. In this context, it refers to initiating legal action or going to court. Jesus addresses a scenario where someone is seeking legal redress against another, specifically to "take away" their property.
* **coat (Greek, _chitṓn_):** This refers to the inner tunic or shirt, a basic and essential garment worn directly on the body. It was a common, less valuable piece of clothing compared to the outer cloak, but still fundamental for modesty and warmth.
* **cloke (Greek, _himátion_):** This denotes the outer garment, a more significant and often more valuable cloak. As noted in the cultural context, it served multiple critical functions, including providing warmth, shelter, and even as a form of security for loans. To give this away, especially after one's inner garment was already being seized, represented a profound act of self-denial and vulnerability.
* **let him have (Greek, _aphíēmi_):** Derived from "to send forth," this verb carries various applications including to forgive, forsake, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, or yield up. In this context, it is a command to "let him have" or "yield up" the cloak. It implies a deliberate act of relinquishment, a conscious choice to surrender rather than resist or fight for one's rights.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if any man will sue thee at the law":** This clause sets the scenario: a legal dispute has arisen, and someone is taking legal action against Jesus' follower. The phrase "will sue" (from *thélō* and *krínō*) indicates a deliberate intent on the part of the plaintiff to pursue a legal claim.
* **"and take away thy coat":** This specifies the object of the lawsuit – the inner tunic, a basic and necessary item of clothing. The verb "take away" (from *lambánō*) implies a forceful or legally sanctioned seizure, not a voluntary giving.
* **"let him have thy cloke also":** This is Jesus' radical command. Instead of resisting the legal action or fighting to retain even the inner garment, the follower is instructed to proactively give up the outer cloak as well. This goes beyond passive non-resistance to active, sacrificial generosity, willingly surrendering even more than what is demanded or legally required.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this verse to underscore His radical teaching. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, where He presents an extreme, almost absurd scenario (giving away one's inner and outer garments in a lawsuit) to emphasize a spiritual truth rather than to be taken strictly literally in every instance. This hyperbole creates a **Paradox**, as the expected response to being sued and losing one's property is resistance or counter-suit, yet Jesus commands the opposite: further surrender. There is also an element of **Antithesis** at play, contrasting the prevailing "eye for an eye" mentality with a new, counter-cultural ethic of self-sacrifice and non-retaliation. Finally, the "coat" and "cloke" function as **Symbolism**, representing not just material possessions, but also personal rights, dignity, and even basic security. By commanding the surrender of both, Jesus symbolizes a complete detachment from worldly claims and a profound trust in divine provision and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:40 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Kingdom living, challenging believers to embody a righteousness that surpasses mere legalistic adherence. It underscores the principle that true discipleship involves a radical reorientation of values, prioritizing love, peace, and spiritual witness over personal rights, material possessions, or the desire for retribution. This teaching reflects God's own character of self-giving love and mercy, calling His children to imitate Him by absorbing injustice rather than perpetuating cycles of conflict. It's not about condoning injustice, but about demonstrating a higher way, trusting God to ultimately vindicate and provide. This radical generosity serves as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of Christ, inviting the world to see a different kind of justice—one rooted in grace and reconciliation.

* [Luke 6:29](/luke/6-29 "Luke 6:29 - Parallel Teaching on Turning the Other Cheek and Giving Garments")
* [1 Corinthians 6:7](/1_corinthians/6-7 "1 Corinthians 6:7 - Paul's Teaching on Suffering Wrong Rather Than Suing")
* [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Romans 12:17-21 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves, But Leave It to the Wrath of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:40 presents a profound challenge to modern believers, urging us to reconsider our default responses to personal injustice and the assertion of our rights. In a world often driven by litigation, self-preservation, and the pursuit of what is "owed," Jesus calls us to a counter-cultural path. This does not necessarily mean abandoning all legal recourse or allowing ourselves to be perpetually exploited. Rather, it calls for a heart attitude of detachment from material possessions and a willingness to suffer loss for the sake of a greater spiritual good—the witness of Christ's love, the preservation of peace, or the demonstration of trust in God's ultimate justice. It compels us to ask whether our pursuit of "justice" through worldly means truly reflects the sacrificial love of Christ, or if it instead reinforces the very systems of retribution that Jesus came to transform. Ultimately, this verse encourages a freedom from materialism and a radical generosity that prioritizes the Kingdom of God above all else, trusting that God will provide for those who surrender their earthly claims for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' command to "let him have thy cloke also" challenge my natural inclination to defend my rights and possessions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding onto "coats" or "cloaks" that God is calling me to release for the sake of His Kingdom?**
* **How can I apply the spirit of this verse in everyday conflicts or minor injustices, even if not involving a lawsuit?**
* **What does it mean to trust God for vindication and provision when I choose to absorb a loss rather than fight for my rights?**
* **How might my willingness to "go the extra mile" in generosity or non-retaliation serve as a powerful witness to those around me?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean Christians should never use the legal system or defend themselves in court?**

Answer: While Jesus' command is radical, it's crucial to interpret it within the broader context of His teachings and the New Testament. Jesus is primarily addressing the *spirit* of retaliation and the *attachment* to material possessions, not necessarily issuing an absolute prohibition against all legal processes. The early church, as seen in [1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits Among Believers"), was cautioned against suing fellow believers, with Paul even suggesting it's better to suffer wrong. However, the Bible also acknowledges the role of governing authorities and justice (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). The core teaching here is about a heart attitude: prioritizing love, peace, and witness over personal vindication or material gain, and being willing to absorb loss for the sake of Christ. It calls for discernment, asking whether pursuing a legal right aligns with the Kingdom ethic of self-sacrificial love and reconciliation.

**Is Jesus promoting passivity or allowing evil to triumph?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not promoting passivity or condoning evil. Instead, He is advocating for a proactive, counter-intuitive response that breaks the cycle of violence and retribution. This is an active form of love and resistance to evil, not a surrender to it. By absorbing injustice and responding with generosity, the believer demonstrates a different power—the power of love and self-sacrifice, which ultimately disarms the oppressor and reveals the nature of God's Kingdom. This radical ethic is meant to transform both the victim and the perpetrator, offering an opportunity for repentance and reconciliation, rather than merely perpetuating a cycle of "eye for an eye."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:40 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. While He never literally gave away His coat and cloak in a lawsuit, His entire life, and especially His passion, perfectly embody the spirit of this radical command. Jesus, though innocent, willingly submitted to unjust legal proceedings, false accusations, and the ultimate taking away of His very life. He did not retaliate when reviled ([1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21-23 "1 Peter 2:21-23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")), but "like a lamb led to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), He yielded Himself up. At His crucifixion, His garments were literally stripped from Him and gambled for by soldiers ([John 19:23-24](/john/19-23-24 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Divide Jesus' Garments")), a profound physical manifestation of His complete self-emptying. His willingness to suffer the ultimate loss—His life—for the sake of humanity's redemption is the supreme act of "letting him have thy cloke also." He did not cling to His divine rights or privileges but "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, Jesus' life and death are the ultimate demonstration of this Kingdom ethic, showing that true victory and justice come not through asserting one's rights, but through humble, self-sacrificial love that trusts God for all things.

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 6:29

And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.

1 Corinthians 6:7

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded?