And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

MATTHEW 5:40KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 5:40 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:40 mean?

Matthew 5:40 teaches that if someone takes you to court and wins the right to your coat, you should be willing to give them your cloak as well. Jesus is urging his listeners to go beyond what is required, showing a spirit of generosity and non-retaliation even when wronged.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing how to respond to those who treat you unjustly. The "coat" and "cloak" were essential garments in that time, so giving both would have been a significant sacrifice. Jesus is challenging his followers to respond to legal disputes and personal loss with unexpected kindness and willingness to give more than demanded.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:40

  • "Sue" (κρίνω, krinō): The Greek word used here refers to taking someone to court or engaging in a legal dispute. This highlights that Jesus is talking about formal, legal situations rather than casual disagreements.
  • "Coat" (χιτών, chitōn) and "cloke" (ἱμάτιον, himation): The "coat" (χιτών, chitōn) was the inner garment, while the "cloke" (ἱμάτιον, himation) was the outer garment, often more valuable and necessary for warmth. Jesus’ words would have sounded radical, as giving up both would leave a person with almost nothing.
  • "Let...have" (ἄφες, aphes): This word carries the sense of allowing or permitting, but also of releasing or letting go. It suggests a voluntary, willing attitude rather than grudging compliance.

Why Matthew 5:40 matters

  • Matthew 5:40 clarifies that Jesus is not just teaching passive acceptance of injustice but is calling for a proactive, generous response that surprises and disarms the aggressor.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus repeatedly challenges his listeners to go beyond the minimum requirements of the law and to embody a higher standard of love and mercy.
  • Understanding the cultural significance of the coat and cloak helps modern readers grasp the depth of sacrifice Jesus is describing, emphasizing the call to radical generosity and trust in God’s provision.

Where else these words appear

“coat” Greek G5509 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
  • Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

“cloke” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Mark 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

“sue” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
  • Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

“let” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.