Matthew 5:44

KJV

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I {G1473} say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Love {G25} your {G5216} enemies {G2190}, bless {G2127} them that curse {G2672} you {G5209}, do {G4160} good {G2573} to them that hate {G3404} you {G5209}, and {G2532} pray {G4336} for {G5228} them which {G3588} despitefully use {G1908} you {G5209}, and {G2532} persecute {G1377} you {G5209};

Complete Jewish Bible

But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Berean Standard Bible

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

American Standard Version

but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:44 stands as a cornerstone of Christ's ethical teaching within the Sermon on the Mount, radically challenging conventional human responses to hostility. It commands believers to extend an unconditional, self-sacrificial love not only to those who are agreeable but specifically to adversaries, those who curse, hate, maliciously use, and persecute them. This divine imperative calls for proactive benevolence and intercessory prayer, reflecting the very character of God and setting a transformative standard for discipleship that transcends mere non-retaliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 5:44 is situated within the heart of Jesus' [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), specifically within the "antitheses" (Matthew 5:21-48), where Jesus reinterprets and deepens the understanding of the Mosaic Law. Following His pronouncements on the Beatitudes and the call for His disciples to be salt and light, Jesus addresses six specific traditional interpretations of the Law, contrasting them with His own profound and challenging teachings, often prefacing with "You have heard that it was said... but I say to you." This particular teaching on loving enemies directly follows His instruction on non-retaliation and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42), culminating in the call to imitate God's perfection in [Matthew 5:48](/matthew/5-48 "Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect as Your Father is Perfect"). It represents the apex of Jesus' ethical demands, pushing His followers beyond external conformity to internal transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, the concept of "love your neighbor" (as found in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) was generally understood to apply to fellow Israelites or those within one's community. There was no explicit command in the Old Testament to love one's enemies, and in fact, some psalms and prophetic passages express imprecations against them. The prevailing cultural norm, often influenced by Roman justice, was "an eye for an eye" (lex talionis), ensuring proportional retribution. Jesus' teaching directly confronts this deeply ingrained cultural and religious understanding. His command to love, bless, do good to, and pray for enemies was revolutionary and counter-cultural, challenging the natural human inclination towards revenge or selective affection. It was a call to a higher righteousness that transcended the legalistic interpretations and societal expectations of the day.
* **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 Righteousness**, demonstrating that true righteousness goes beyond outward observance of the Law to encompass the heart and intentions, demanding a standard that surpasses that of the Pharisees and scribes (as seen in [Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")). It is central to the theme of **Divine Imitation**, calling believers to reflect the impartial, generous love of God, who "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (as articulated in [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Impartiality")). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Transformative Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus involves a fundamental reorientation of one's worldview and actions, moving from reactive retaliation to proactive, self-giving love, thereby breaking cycles of hatred and demonstrating the kingdom of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** From the provided Strong's data, this word signifies a love that is "in a social or moral sense," a deliberate, volitional love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their worthiness or the recipient's actions. It is not primarily an emotional affection (like _phileo_) but a principled, self-sacrificial commitment.
* **Enemies (Greek, _echthrós'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to hate," this term refers to someone who is "hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile)." It denotes an adversary or foe, highlighting that the command to love is directed precisely at those who are actively hostile or antagonistic towards the believer.
* **Persecute (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** This word means "to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute." It suggests active, persistent harassment or ill-treatment, indicating that the command to love and pray applies even in the face of sustained opposition and suffering for one's faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I say unto you":** This introductory phrase marks a significant shift, signaling Jesus' authoritative reinterpretation of traditional understanding. It contrasts His teaching with what "you have heard that it was said" (Matthew 5:43), asserting His divine authority to unveil the deeper spiritual intent of God's law.
* **"Love your enemies":** This is the central, radical command. It calls for an _agape_ love—a selfless, intentional act of will—directed towards those who are hostile or antagonistic, transcending natural human inclination and societal norms.
* **"bless them that curse you":** This clause specifies a proactive, verbal response. To "bless" (Greek, _eulogéō_) means to "speak well of" or "invoke a benediction upon." Instead of reciprocating curses with curses, believers are to speak words of goodwill and pray for divine favor upon those who wish them ill.
* **"do good to them that hate you":** This moves beyond words to actions. To "do good" (Greek, _poiéō kalōs_) means to perform "well" or "noble" acts. It is a call to actively seek the welfare and benefit of those who harbor animosity, demonstrating tangible kindness despite their hatred.
* **"and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;":** This final, comprehensive command encompasses both malicious verbal abuse ("despitefully use," Greek, _epēreázō_, meaning to insult or slander) and active, sustained oppression ("persecute," Greek, _diṓkō_). Prayer is presented as a powerful, spiritual weapon, transforming the heart of the one praying and potentially impacting the situation of the adversary. It is the ultimate expression of _agape_ love for an enemy.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:44 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, as Jesus directly contrasts His teaching ("But I say unto you") with the prevailing understanding ("You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'" in the preceding verse). This stark contrast highlights the revolutionary nature of His command. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** and **Repetition** through its series of four imperative commands—"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." This cumulative structure emphasizes the multifaceted and comprehensive nature of the required response, building from a general attitude of love to specific actions and culminating in spiritual intercession. The use of strong, active verbs in the **Imperative Mood** underscores the non-negotiable and demanding nature of this divine expectation for His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This radical command to love one's enemies is deeply rooted in the very nature and character of God. It calls believers to imitate the divine impartiality and boundless grace that God extends to all humanity, regardless of their righteousness or rebellion. God's love (agape) is not contingent on human merit but flows from His inherent goodness, a love that allows the sun to shine and rain to fall on both the just and the unjust. Therefore, for believers to truly be "children of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:45), they must embody this same expansive, unconditional love, demonstrating a righteousness that surpasses mere human reciprocity and reflects the transformative power of the Gospel. This love is not a natural human impulse but a supernatural empowerment, a hallmark of true discipleship that distinguishes Christ's followers from the world.

* [Luke 6:27-28](/luke/6-27-28 "Luke 6:27-28 - Love Your Enemies")
* [Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute")
* [1 Peter 3:9](/1_peter/3-9 "1 Peter 3:9 - Do Not Repay Evil with Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:44 presents one of the most challenging yet transformative commands in all of Scripture, calling believers to a counter-cultural ethic that redefines strength not as retaliation, but as radical, self-giving love. To truly live out this verse requires a profound shift in perspective, moving beyond natural human inclinations toward revenge, resentment, or avoidance. It demands a spiritual discipline that actively chooses to seek the well-being of those who wish us harm, recognizing that such love is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of Christ within us. This command is not merely about emotional sentiment but about intentional actions: speaking kindly, performing good deeds, and, most profoundly, interceding in prayer for those who mistreat us. It is in this act of loving our enemies that we most clearly reflect the character of God and participate in breaking cycles of hatred, demonstrating the redemptive power of the Kingdom of Heaven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "enemies" in your life—those who have cursed you, hated you, or despitefully used you?**
* **What is your natural inclination when faced with hostility or injustice, and how does it compare to Jesus' command?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you "bless," "do good to," or "pray for" an adversary this week?**
* **How might embracing this command transform your own heart and your relationships, even if the other person does not change?**

### FAQ
**Is it truly possible to "love" someone who actively seeks to harm you?**

Answer: Yes, but it's crucial to understand the nature of the love Jesus commands. The Greek word used, _agapáō_, refers to a volitional, principled love, not necessarily an emotional affection or fondness (_phileo_). It is a deliberate choice to seek the highest good of another, even an adversary, and to act with benevolence towards them. This does not mean condoning their actions, allowing oneself to be abused, or neglecting self-protection. Instead, it means refusing to harbor resentment, seeking revenge, or wishing them ill. It involves praying for them, desiring their repentance and salvation, and being open to reconciliation if they change. This kind of love is supernatural, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and reflects the character of God who loves even the unrighteous (as seen in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:44 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He did not merely teach this radical command; He lived it out perfectly. On the cross, while being "despitefully used" and "persecuted" by those who hated Him, Jesus prayed, "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Persecutors")". His entire ministry was an act of "doing good" to a world that largely rejected Him, culminating in His sacrificial death as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He "loved us and gave himself up for us" (as described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")), even while we were His "enemies" in our sin (a truth powerfully articulated in [Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled While Enemies")). Therefore, Jesus is not just the authoritative teacher of this command but also its living demonstration and the ultimate source of empowerment for believers to obey it, enabling us to love with His divine, transforming _agape_.

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

Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Romans 12:20

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Luke 6:27

¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Luke 6:28

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Proverbs 25:21

¶ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: