Matthew 5:42

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Matthew 5:42

Matthew 5:42 is a powerful statement from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, a foundational discourse on the ethics of the Kingdom of God. This verse follows directly after teachings on non-resistance to evil (Matthew 5:39) and going the extra mile, all of which challenge conventional human responses. It's part of a larger section where Jesus reinterprets and deepens the understanding of the Old Testament Law, calling His followers to a higher standard of righteousness that extends beyond mere external compliance to an inward disposition of radical love and generosity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Radical Generosity: Jesus commands His followers to adopt an open-handed approach to those in need. This isn't just about charity to the poor, but a willingness to give and lend without reluctance or fear of loss. It reflects a profound trust in God's provision.
  • Selfless Compassion: The command "turn not thou away" emphasizes an active, not passive, compassion. It challenges the natural human inclination to avoid inconvenience or potential financial risk. This teaching encourages a proactive spirit of help, embodying the love that does not seek its own.
  • Kingdom Ethics: This verse illustrates a key principle of Kingdom living, where the values of self-interest and accumulation are replaced by generosity and service. It sets a standard for Christian conduct that is distinct from the world's norms, emphasizing a giving spirit that mirrors God's own nature.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "asketh" (αἰτοῦντι - aitounti) simply means "one who asks," not necessarily implying a desperate plea. The term for "borrow" (δανείσασθαι - daneisasthai) refers to lending, indicating that Jesus's teaching extends to practical financial assistance, not just outright gifts. The phrase "turn not thou away" (μὴ ἀποστραφῇς - mē apostraphēs) is a strong negative imperative, underscoring the absolute nature of the command to not refuse assistance when it is sought.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:42 challenges believers to cultivate a heart of unreserved generosity. While discernment is always wise regarding specific situations (e.g., enabling harmful habits), the overarching principle is to be ready and willing to help those who genuinely ask for assistance, whether it's a gift or a loan. This verse encourages us to reflect God's own open-handedness, remembering that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). It calls us to live with an awareness of others' needs, trusting that as we give, God will continue to provide for us, as seen in Luke 6:38 where Jesus says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 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.
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