Matthew 5:34-44

34 But now I tell you: do not use any vow when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven, for it is God's throne; ¹

35 nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ²

36 Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.

37 Just say "Yes' or "No' - anything else you say comes from the Evil One.

38 "You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' ³

39 But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too.

40 And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well.

41 And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles.

42 When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him.

43 "You have heard that it was said, "Love your friends, hate your enemies.' ⁴

44 But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Cross References

• 1. 5.34 aJames 5.12; bIsaiah 66.1;Matthew 23.22.
• 2. 5.35 aIsaiah 66.1; bPsalms 48.2.
• 3. 5.38Exodus 21.24;Leviticus 24.20;Deuteronomy 19.21.
• 4. +25.43Ben Sira 12.4-7.