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;

MATTHEW 5:44KJV
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Matthew 5:44 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:44 mean?

Matthew 5:44 teaches that followers of Jesus are called to love their enemies, respond kindly to those who curse or hate them, and pray for those who mistreat or persecute them. This verse sets a high standard for how to treat others, even those who are hostile or unfair.

In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is speaking to a crowd of listeners, including his disciples, challenging common ideas about justice and retaliation. Instead of returning harm for harm, Jesus urges his followers to act with generosity, kindness, and prayer toward those who oppose them. This teaching stands out because it goes beyond ordinary expectations, asking people to care for others even when it is difficult or undeserved.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:44

  • ἀγαπάω (agapaō, "Love"): This word for "love" means more than just affection; it often refers to a deliberate, self-giving care for others, even those who are not friendly or likable. Jesus is calling for an active, intentional goodwill toward enemies.
  • εὐλογέω (eulogeō, "bless"): This word means to speak well of or wish good for someone. The Greek here carries the sense of responding to cursing or insults with words that build up rather than tear down.
  • προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai, "pray"): The instruction to pray for those who mistreat or persecute you suggests not just passive endurance but actively bringing these people before God, seeking their good.

Why Matthew 5:44 matters

  • Matthew 5:44 corrects the common human impulse to retaliate or hold grudges, emphasizing a radically different way of relating to those who do harm.
  • This verse highlights the heart of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: a call to surpass ordinary standards of goodness by showing mercy and kindness even to adversaries.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify that Christian love is not just for friends or those who treat us well, but extends to everyone, including those who are difficult or hostile.

Where else these words appear

“use” Greek G1908 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
  • 1 Peter 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

“curse” Greek G2672 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
  • Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“enemies” Greek G2190 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

“good” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
  • John 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?