Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

MATTHEW 5:24KJV
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Matthew 5:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:24 mean?

Matthew 5:24 says that if you are about to offer a gift to God but remember that someone has something against you, you should first go and make things right with that person before presenting your offering. Jesus is teaching that reconciliation with others takes priority over religious rituals.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing people who would have been familiar with bringing offerings to the temple. The instruction to "leave there thy gift before the altar" highlights how important it is to mend relationships—so much so that it comes before even the most sacred acts of worship. Jesus emphasizes that God values peace and restored relationships between people as much as, or even more than, outward acts of devotion.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:24

  • "Reconciled" (διαλλάγηθι, diallagēthi): This word means to be restored to favor or to make peace. The Greek here carries the sense of actively working to repair a broken relationship, not just feeling sorry or avoiding conflict.
  • "Gift" (δῶρον, dōron): This refers to an offering or sacrifice brought to God. The use of this word shows that even important religious duties should not come before making things right with others.
  • "Altar" (θυσιαστήριον, thysiastērion): This is the place of sacrifice in the temple. Mentioning the altar makes the teaching vivid for listeners who would picture leaving their offering in the middle of worship to seek reconciliation.

Why Matthew 5:24 matters

  • Matthew 5:24 clears up the idea that religious acts alone are enough; Jesus insists that our relationships with others deeply affect our relationship with God.
  • The verse reveals Jesus’ emphasis on the heart and on genuine relationships, not just outward religious observance.
  • This teaching ties into the wider Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus often moves from external actions to the deeper attitudes and priorities God desires.

Where else these words appear

“gift” Greek G1435 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 23:19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
  • Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

“altar” Greek G2379 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

“before” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
  • John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

“offer” Greek G4374 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.