Matthew 5:41

KJV

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whosoever {G3748} shall compel {G29} thee {G4571} to go {G29} a {G1520} mile {G3400}, go {G5217} with {G3326} him {G846} twain {G1417}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And if a soldier forces you to carry his pack for one mile, carry it for two!

Berean Standard Bible

and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

American Standard Version

And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:41, a profound teaching from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, calls believers to a radical standard of selfless service and generosity that transcends conventional expectations. It instructs followers not merely to comply with unjust demands but to exceed them, transforming a forced imposition into a voluntary act of supererogatory kindness. This command exemplifies the counter-cultural ethics of the Kingdom of God, inviting disciples to respond to coercion with proactive love, thereby disarming oppressors and demonstrating the transformative power of grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' radical reinterpretation of the Mosaic Law, specifically within a series of antitheses (e.g., "You have heard that it was said... but I say to you..."). Following His teachings on anger ([Matthew 5:21-26](/matthew/5-21-26 "Matthew 5:21-26 - Anger and Reconciliation")), lust ([Matthew 5:27-30](/matthew/5-27-30 "Matthew 5:27-30 - Lust and Adultery")), divorce ([Matthew 5:31-32](/matthew/5-31-32 "Matthew 5:31-32 - Divorce")), and oaths ([Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Oaths")), Jesus addresses the principle of retaliation. Matthew 5:38-42 directly confronts the "eye for an eye" principle, advocating for non-resistance to evil. Specifically, Matthew 5:41 builds upon the preceding commands to "turn the other cheek" ([Matthew 5:39](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turn the Other Cheek")) and to "give your cloak as well" ([Matthew 5:40](/matthew/5-40 "Matthew 5:40 - Give Your Cloak Also")), extending the principle of radical non-retaliation into the realm of compelled service. It culminates in the climactic command to "love your enemies" ([Matthew 5:43-48](/matthew/5-43-48 "Matthew 5:43-48 - Love Your Enemies")), demonstrating a consistent call to extraordinary, God-like love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "compel thee to go a mile" directly references the Roman practice of *angareia* (from the Greek *angareuō*), which was derived from the Persian system of forced requisitioning. Under Roman law, soldiers or officials had the legal right to conscript civilians and their animals for public service, such as carrying military equipment, messages, or supplies for a specified distance. This was a particularly resented imposition on the Jewish people, who lived under Roman occupation. It represented a tangible symbol of their subjugation and the constant infringement on their personal freedom and property. The requirement was typically for one Roman mile (approximately 1,000 paces or 1,600 meters). Jesus' audience would have immediately understood the specific burden and indignity associated with such a demand, making His instruction to go "twain" miles all the more shocking and counter-intuitive.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It underscores the theme of **Radical Obedience and Kingdom Ethics**, demonstrating that discipleship involves a higher standard of righteousness that surpasses mere outward compliance with the Law, moving to an internal transformation of the heart. It exemplifies **Non-Retaliation and Proactive Love**, shifting from a defensive or grudging response to oppression to an offensive, grace-filled action that seeks to disarm and transform. This teaching also highlights the theme of **Overcoming Evil with Good**, mirroring the principle articulated later by Paul in [Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good"). By willingly going the extra mile, the believer transforms a forced act into a voluntary demonstration of love, reflecting the character of God who "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good" ([Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Impartiality")). It is a practical outworking of the call to be "perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" ([Matthew 5:48](/matthew/5-48 "Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **compel (Greek, _angareúō'_):** This verb, of foreign origin (compare Aramaic *aggarā*), literally means "to be a courier" and, by implication, "to press into public service." It refers specifically to the practice of forced requisitioning by governmental or military authorities, a well-understood and resented burden in the Roman-occupied world of first-century Judea. Jesus uses this precise term to address a common and deeply felt injustice.
* **mile (Greek, _mílion'_):** Derived from Latin, this noun signifies "a thousand paces," which was the standard Roman mile. This specific measurement underscores the concrete and tangible nature of the burden being discussed, making the command to go "twain" miles a direct and measurable act of exceeding the expected.
* **twain (Greek, _dýo'_):** This is a primary numeral meaning "two." Its inclusion here is crucial, as it represents the radical excess Jesus demands. It's not just about fulfilling the requirement, but about willingly going double the distance, transforming a forced obligation into a voluntary act of overwhelming generosity and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile":** This clause sets the scenario, referencing the specific and burdensome Roman practice of *angareia*, where a person could be legally forced by an authority (e.g., a Roman soldier) to carry a burden or provide service for a distance of one Roman mile. The phrase "whosoever" indicates that this command applies universally, regardless of the identity or character of the one compelling. It speaks to situations where one is unjustly or inconveniently imposed upon.
* **"go with him twain":** This is Jesus' radical instruction. Instead of resisting, complaining, or merely fulfilling the minimum requirement, the follower of Christ is commanded to willingly go twice the distance. This action transcends legal obligation, transforming a forced act into a voluntary demonstration of generosity, humility, and proactive love. It is a counter-intuitive response designed to disarm the oppressor and exemplify a higher, Kingdom ethic.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:41 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the command to go "twain" miles when only one is compelled. While the initial demand is literal, the instruction to double it functions as an exaggeration designed to emphasize the radical nature of the required response, pushing beyond mere compliance to extraordinary generosity. This hyperbole is not meant to be taken as a rigid, legalistic rule to always go exactly two miles, but rather as an illustrative principle of exceeding expectations and demonstrating proactive love. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play, juxtaposing the expected reaction of resentment or minimal compliance with the surprising, counter-cultural response of willing, abundant service. This contrast highlights the distinct ethical framework of the Kingdom of God, which operates on principles of grace and self-giving love rather than retaliation or grudging obligation. Finally, the act itself functions as **Symbolism**, where going the "extra mile" becomes a metaphor for a life characterized by selfless service, radical generosity, and the transformation of adversity into an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This teaching profoundly illustrates the nature of Kingdom ethics, which often run contrary to worldly wisdom. It is not merely about passive submission to injustice, but about an active, strategic, and transformative response rooted in love. By exceeding the demand, the believer reclaims agency, transforming a moment of oppression into an opportunity to demonstrate the superior power of grace and disarm the oppressor through unexpected kindness. This principle reflects God's own character, who gives abundantly even to those who do not deserve it, and calls His children to emulate this divine generosity, thereby becoming agents of reconciliation and transformation in a broken world.

* [Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good")
* [Luke 6:29](/luke/6-29 "Luke 6:29 - Turn the Other Cheek and Give Your Cloak")
* [1 Peter 2:19-21](/1_peter/2-19-21 "1 Peter 2:19-21 - Suffering for Righteousness' Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:41 challenges us to move beyond a transactional approach to life and relationships, embracing a spirit of radical generosity and proactive love. In a world that often operates on principles of "an eye for an eye" or minimal compliance, Jesus calls us to a higher standard. This isn't about enabling abuse, but about cultivating a heart that seeks to bless, even when wronged or imposed upon. It means looking for opportunities to go above and beyond what is expected, whether in our workplaces, families, communities, or even in encounters with strangers. It encourages us to transform inconvenient demands into opportunities for selfless service, demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways. This "extra mile" attitude can disarm conflict, build bridges, and reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, inviting others to encounter the grace that motivates us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to do only the bare minimum, and how can I intentionally "go the extra mile" in those areas?**
* **How might a "go the extra mile" attitude transform a challenging relationship or difficult work situation I am currently facing?**
* **In what ways can my unexpected generosity or willingness to serve disarm a hostile or demanding situation?**
* **What does it truly mean to respond to inconvenience or injustice with proactive love, rather than resentment or anger?**

### FAQ
**Does "go with him twain" mean we should always submit to every demand, even if it's harmful or unjust?**

Answer: While Matthew 5:41 calls for radical generosity and non-retaliation, it's crucial to interpret this within the broader context of biblical wisdom and the character of God. Jesus' teaching here primarily addresses personal affronts and impositions, encouraging a spirit that transcends legalistic compliance and seeks to disarm through love. It does not necessarily advocate for passive submission to all forms of systemic injustice, abuse, or evil that would cause harm to oneself or others. The Bible also teaches about seeking justice, protecting the vulnerable, and discerning wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless")). The "extra mile" is a demonstration of love and grace, not an endorsement of oppression. It's about how we respond to personal impositions with a transformed heart, rather than a universal command to enable all forms of injustice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:41 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. While Jesus taught His disciples to go the extra mile, He *lived* the ultimate "extra mile" for humanity. He was not compelled by any earthly authority, but by divine love, to descend from heaven, take on human flesh ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")), and willingly endure the cross for the sins of the world ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). He was compelled by no one to suffer, yet He willingly offered His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His entire earthly ministry was an "extra mile" of service, healing, and teaching, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice. He did not merely meet the requirements of the Law; He fulfilled them perfectly and then exceeded them with an overflowing abundance of grace and truth. His death and resurrection demonstrate the radical, self-giving love that goes far beyond what is deserved or expected, offering reconciliation and eternal life to those who were His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, the command to go the extra mile is not just an ethical principle, but an invitation to participate in the very character of Christ, who gave His all and then some, for us.

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 23:26

¶ And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear [it] after Jesus.

Matthew 27:32

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Mark 15:21

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.