Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

MATTHEW 5:48KJV
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Matthew 5:48 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:48 mean?

Matthew 5:48 calls Jesus’ listeners to be “perfect” in their character and actions, just as God the Father in heaven is perfect. The verse sets a very high standard, urging people to reflect God’s complete goodness and maturity in how they live.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching about the kind of life that pleases God. The word “perfect” here often means “complete” or “mature,” not flawless. Jesus is summing up a section where he has been challenging his listeners to go beyond ordinary standards, especially in how they treat others, aiming for a wholeness that mirrors God’s own character.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:48

  • τέλειος (teleios, “perfect”): This word is often understood as “complete,” “mature,” or “fully developed,” not necessarily “without any fault.” In context, Jesus is calling for a wholehearted, undivided devotion to God, not human perfectionism.
  • ὡς (hōs, “even as”): This word draws a direct comparison between the standard set for people and the character of God. It emphasizes that the model for this completeness is God Himself, not just human examples.

Why Matthew 5:48 matters

  • Matthew 5:48 clarifies that Jesus is not asking for superficial rule-keeping but for a deep, whole-person transformation that reflects God’s own character.
  • The verse ties together the teachings just before it, especially about loving enemies and showing mercy, showing that God’s perfection is seen in His generous love.
  • This verse helps readers see that the goal of Jesus’ teaching is not just better behavior, but a life shaped by the same kind of love and integrity that God shows.

Where else these words appear

“perfect” Greek G5046 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
  • Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

“even” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.