Matthew 5:42

KJV

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {G1325} to him that asketh {G154} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} from him that would {G2309} borrow {G1155} of {G575} thee {G4675} turn {G654} not {G3361} thou away {G654}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something from you, lend it to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

American Standard Version

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:42, part of Jesus's transformative Sermon on the Mount, issues a radical command for boundless generosity and compassion. It challenges believers to cultivate an open-handed disposition, urging them to readily give to those who ask and to lend without reluctance to those who seek to borrow, thereby embodying a counter-cultural ethic that transcends conventional self-interest and reflects the abundant nature of God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the broader discourse on "higher righteousness" in [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). It immediately follows Jesus's teachings on non-resistance to evil, such as turning the other cheek ([Matthew 5:39](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turn the Other Cheek")) and precedes the climactic command to love one's enemies ([Matthew 5:43-48](/matthew/5-43-48 "Matthew 5:43-48 - Love Your Enemies")). Together, these verses form a cohesive unit that redefines the scope of ethical behavior for those who would live by the principles of God's kingdom, moving beyond mere legalistic adherence to an internal transformation of character marked by radical, self-sacrificial love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, the Law contained provisions for the poor and needy, including commands to lend to the poor without interest ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor")) and to release debts in the Sabbatical year ([Deuteronomy 15:1-11](/deuteronomy/15-1-11 "Deuteronomy 15:1-11 - The Year of Release")). However, human nature often led to reluctance or evasion of these commands, especially when the borrower was perceived as less deserving or the loan risky. Jesus's teaching here pushes beyond the minimum requirements of the Law, challenging the common human tendency to guard resources and avoid inconvenience. His words were revolutionary in a society where social status and economic security were often paramount, calling His followers to prioritize the needs of others even at personal cost, reflecting a divine generosity that was profoundly counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 5:42 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospel of Matthew. It underscores the theme of **Radical Generosity**, demonstrating that true righteousness extends beyond the letter of the Law to a spirit of open-handedness that mirrors God's own character. It also highlights **Kingdom Ethics**, presenting a standard of conduct that is distinct from the world's self-serving norms, emphasizing selfless love and compassion as foundational to life in God's kingdom. Furthermore, it implicitly touches on **Trust in God's Provision**, as such radical giving requires a deep conviction that God will sustain the giver, a theme explicitly taught elsewhere in the Sermon ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, this verb signifies "to give" in a very wide application, encompassing bestowing, granting, delivering, and offering. In this context, it denotes a proactive and unreserved act of charity or provision, not merely a passive response. Jesus commands a disposition of open-handedness, where giving is a natural outflow of the believer's heart.
* **Asketh (Greek, _aitéō'_):** From G154, this word means "to ask" in a general sense, without necessarily implying a desperate plea or begging. It refers to someone making a request. The command is not limited to those in dire need but extends to anyone who makes a request, challenging the disciple to respond with generosity rather than judgment or hesitation.
* **Turn not thou away (Greek, _apostréphō'_):** From G654, this phrase means "to turn away or back," literally or figuratively. Coupled with the negative particle (G3361, _mḗ_), it forms a strong prohibition against refusing or rejecting. It implies an active avoidance of turning one's back on someone in need, emphasizing the imperative to engage with and respond to requests for help, particularly for loans, which might involve a greater perceived risk or inconvenience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give to him that asketh thee":** This clause establishes the foundational principle of proactive generosity. It commands believers to be ready and willing to give to anyone who makes a request, fostering a spirit of open-handedness rather than a calculating or reluctant disposition. The emphasis is on the act of giving itself, irrespective of the perceived worthiness or specific need of the asker.
* **"and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away":** This second clause extends the principle of generosity to financial lending. It specifically prohibits refusing a request for a loan. The phrase "turn not thou away" is a strong negative imperative, underscoring the absolute nature of the command to not reject or avoid someone seeking financial assistance. This challenges the natural human inclination to protect one's resources and avoid potential loss, calling for a trust in God's provision and a radical commitment to serving others.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:42 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as Jesus issues direct commands ("Give," "turn not away"), emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of this ethical standard for His followers. There is also an implied **Antithesis** between the world's cautious, self-preserving approach to resources and the radical, open-handed generosity demanded of Kingdom citizens. This verse functions as a form of **Didacticism**, directly instructing disciples on practical conduct that reflects their transformed hearts. Furthermore, the command's sweeping nature can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, challenging listeners to consider a level of generosity that goes beyond conventional expectations, pushing them towards an ideal that reflects divine abundance rather than human scarcity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects with the biblical understanding of God's character as the ultimate Giver, who "gives to all people life and breath and everything" ([Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Gives to All")). It calls believers to imitate this divine generosity, reflecting the love that seeks to bless others rather than accumulate for oneself. The principle of open-handedness is rooted in the Old Testament Law's provisions for the poor and needy, but Jesus elevates it to a matter of the heart's disposition, not just external compliance. This radical generosity is a hallmark of true discipleship, demonstrating a trust in God's provision and a commitment to the welfare of the community that transcends personal convenience or financial risk.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:42 challenges us to examine the posture of our hearts towards those who ask of us. It calls for a radical reorientation from a default of self-preservation to one of generous giving and lending. While practical wisdom and discernment are always necessary—for instance, not enabling harmful behaviors or supporting schemes that exploit generosity—the overarching principle remains: cultivate a spirit of open-handedness, ready to respond to genuine needs without reluctance or fear of loss. This verse encourages us to trust in God's abundant provision, believing that as we give, He will continue to supply our needs, and that true blessing is found in imitating His own generous nature. It prompts us to consider how our resources, whether financial or otherwise, can be used as instruments of God's love and compassion in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most hesitant to give or lend, and why?**
* **How does my current approach to requests for help align with or diverge from Jesus's command in this verse?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a more open-handed and generous spirit?**
* **How does trusting in God's provision empower me to be more generous with my resources?**

### FAQ

**Does "give to him that asketh thee" mean I must give to everyone who asks, without discernment?**

Answer: While Jesus's command is radical and emphasizes a general posture of generosity, it does not negate the need for wisdom and discernment. The primary thrust is to cultivate a heart that is open and willing to give, rather than closed off or suspicious. However, biblical wisdom also encourages prudence and stewardship. For example, [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor") speaks of giving to the poor, and [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - If Anyone Will Not Work") advises against enabling idleness. The goal is to give in a way that genuinely helps and honors God, which sometimes requires assessing the situation to ensure the giving is constructive and not destructive. The command challenges our *default* to refuse, encouraging us instead to default to generosity, while still praying for discernment in specific cases.

**What if I don't have much to give or lend?**

Answer: Jesus's command is about the disposition of the heart, not merely the quantity of the gift. The widow's mite ([Mark 12:41-44](/mark/12-41-44 "Mark 12:41-44 - The Widow's Offering")) illustrates that God values the sacrifice and willingness to give from what one has, however little, more than large gifts given out of abundance. Generosity is not limited to financial resources; it can involve giving time, skills, attention, or comfort. The principle is to be open-handed with whatever God has entrusted to you, whether much or little, trusting that He will provide for your needs as you seek to bless others ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:42, like all of Jesus's ethical teachings, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Christ Himself. Jesus did not merely teach radical generosity; He *was* and *is* the epitome of it. His entire earthly ministry was an act of giving: He gave His time, His healing, His wisdom, and ultimately, His very life. He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The cross stands as the supreme act of giving, where God "gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ fulfilled the Law's demands for love and generosity, demonstrating the boundless, self-sacrificial love of God. As believers, we are called to live out this radical generosity not merely as a moral code, but as a response to the overwhelming generosity we have received in Christ, empowered by the Spirit to reflect His giving nature in a world often characterized by scarcity and self-interest ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity")).

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

Proverbs 19:17

¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Luke 6:30

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again.

Luke 6:36

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Psalms 37:21

¶ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.