Matthew 5:42

42 Geve to him that axeth and fro him that wolde borowe tourne not awaye.

Matthew 5:42 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 5:42

Give to him that asketh thee
To every man, ( Luke 6:30 ) whether Jew or Gentile; friend or foe; believer or unbeliever; a good, or a bad man; worthy or unworthy; deserving or not, that asketh alms, whether food or money; give it freely, readily, cheerfully, according to your abilities, and as the necessity of the object requires: for such rules are always supposed, and to be observed; and though all are to be relieved, yet the circumstances of persons, and their relation to men, are to be considered, and special regard is to be had to the household of faith.

And from him that would borrow of thee, turn not away;
refuse him not, turn not away from him with a frown, or without speaking to him, or with a denial; look upon him with a pleasant countenance, cheerfully lend him what he wants, whether he be a Jew, from whom it was not lawful to take usury, or a stranger, from whom it, was lawful to take it, yet take it not; lend him freely, "hoping for nothing again", ( Luke 6:35 ) which must not be understood of not hoping for the money lent, for then it would be giving, and not lending; but of not hoping for any reward for lending it: and indeed the money itself is not to be hoped for again, when the circumstances of the borrower are such, that he is not able to make a return.

Matthew 5:42 In-Context

40 And yf eny man will sue the at the lawe and take awaye thy coote let hym have thy cloocke also.
41 And whosoever wyll copell the to goo a myle goo wyth him twayne.
42 Geve to him that axeth and fro him that wolde borowe tourne not awaye.
43 Ye have hearde how it is sayde: thou shalt love thyne neghbour and hate thine enimy.
44 But I saye vnto you love youre enimies. Blesse the that coursse you. Do good to them that hate you. Praye for them which doo you wronge and persecute you
The Tyndale Bible is in the public domain.