Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

MATTHEW 5:26KJV
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Matthew 5:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:26 mean?

Matthew 5:26 says that a person will not be released from their situation until they have paid the very last small amount owed. Jesus is stressing that every part of a debt or obligation must be settled before freedom is possible.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His listeners during the Sermon on the Mount, using the example of someone being thrown into prison until a debt is paid in full. The "uttermost farthing" refers to the smallest coin, showing that nothing will be overlooked or excused. The verse highlights the seriousness of settling matters completely, especially in the context of personal disputes or wrongs.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:26

  • "Verily" (ἀμὴν, amēn): This word means "truly" or "certainly," and signals that what Jesus is about to say is especially trustworthy and important.
  • "Uttermost" (ἔσχατος, eschatos): This word means "last" or "final," emphasizing that even the smallest remaining part of the debt must be paid.
  • "Farthing" (κοδράντης, kodrantēs): This was a very small Roman coin, worth very little, showing that not even the tiniest amount will be ignored.

Why Matthew 5:26 matters

  • Matthew 5:26 clears up any idea that small wrongs or debts can be ignored; Jesus teaches that even the smallest matters must be resolved.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about reconciliation and settling disputes quickly, showing the importance of making things right before problems grow worse.
  • By using the image of a debtor’s prison, Jesus makes the consequences of unresolved issues vivid and memorable for His listeners.

Where else these words appear

“farthing” Greek G2835 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
  • Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

“paid” Greek G591 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
  • Matthew 27:58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
  • Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

“uttermost” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.