Matthew 5:38-48

38 "You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' ¹

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.' ²

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

45 so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. ³

46 Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that!

47 And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that!

48 You must be perfect - just as your Father in heaven is perfect. ⁴

Cross References

• 1. 5.38Exodus 21.24;Leviticus 24.20;Deuteronomy 19.21.
• 2. +25.43Ben Sira 12.4-7.
• 3. +25.45Ben Sira 4.10.
• 4. 5.48Leviticus 19.2;Deuteronomy 18.13.