Matthew 5:47

← Matthew 5:46 Matthew 5:48 →

Matthew 5:47 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?

King James Version KJV

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

American Standard Version ASV

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And if you say, Good day, to your brothers only, what do you do more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same?

Free Bible Version FBV

If you only speak kindly to your family, what more are you doing than anyone else? Even the heathen do that!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And if ye be friendly to your brethren onely, what singular thing doe ye? doe not euen the Publicanes likewise?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and if ye may salute your brethren only, what do ye abundant? do not also the tax-gatherers so?

World English Bible WEB

If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the publicans so?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more? do not also the heathens this?

Translation for Translators T4T

If you want God to bless only your friends, ◄you are not acting any better than other people!/are you acting any better than other people?► [RHQ] Even the non-Jews, who you think sin very much (OR, you think are unacceptable to God), want God to bless their friends [RHQ], but God does not reward them for that.

Plain English Version PEV

And if you only talk to your friends, that is nothing. Everybody talks to their friends, even people that don’t believe in God do that. So if you only talk to your friends, you are no better than those people.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 5:47

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 5:47 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και εαν ασπασησθε τους φιλους υμων μονον τι περισσον ποιειτε ουχι και οι τελωναι ουτως ποιουσιν

και kai G2532 and Conj

εαν ean G1437 if COND

ασπασησθε aspazomai G782 to pay respects to Verb-ADS-2P

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

φιλους philos G5384 friendly/friend Adj-APM

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

μονον monon G3440 only Adv

τι tis G5101 which? Interrog-ASN

περισσον perissos G4053 excessive Adj-ASN

ποιειτε poieō G4160 to do/make: do Verb-PAI-2P

ουχι ouchi G3780 not! Particle-I

και kai G2532 and Conj

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

τελωναι telōnēs G5057 tax collector Noun-NPM

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 thus(-ly) Adv

ποιουσιν poieō G4160 to do/make: do Verb-PAI-3P

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Matthew 5:47

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εαν ean G1437 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to show uncertainty or possibility, as in Matthew 6:22 and Romans 2:25, to express conditions or circumstances.

Definition: ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:15; Hebrews 13:23; 1 Peter 3:13.

ασπασησθε aspazomai G782 "to pay respects to" Verb-ADS-2P

To pay respects to means to greet or welcome someone, like in Matthew 5:47 or Romans 16:16. It involves showing respect or affection to someone. This word is about greeting or welcoming others.

Definition: ἀσπάζομαι depon., [in LXX: Eze.18:7, Jdg.18:15 (שָׁלוֹם שָׁאַל), Est.5:2, 1Ma.7:29, al. ;] to welcome, greet, salute: with accusative of person(s), Mat.5:47, Mrk.9:15, Act.21:7, al.; id. before ἐν φιλήματι, Rom.16:16, 1Co.16:20, 2Co.13:12, 1Th.5:26, 1Pe.5:14; τ. ἐκκλησίαν (Deiss., BS, 257), Act.18:22; as term. tech. for conveying greetings at the end of a letter (MM, see word), used by an amanuensis (Milligan, NTD, 23), Rom.16:22 (on the aoristic Pres., here and elsewhere, see M, Pr., 119; Bl., § 56, 4); κατήντησαν . . . ἀσπασάμενοι (on this constr., see El., § 58, 4; M, Pr., 132, 238), Act.25:13 (cf. ἀπ-ἀπ-ασπάζομαι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 49 NT verses. KJV: embrace, greet, salute, take leave See also: 1 Corinthians 16:19; Luke 10:4; 1 Peter 5:13.

τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

φιλους philos G5384 "friendly/friend" Adj-APM

This word means a friend or someone who is friendly, and it's used many times in the Bible, like in Luke 7:6 and Acts 27:3. It describes someone you care about and who cares about you, like a close buddy or neighbor.

Definition: φίλος, -η, -ον [in LXX chiefly for רֵעַ, אָהַב ;] __1. pass., beloved, dear (Hom., Eur., al.). __2. Act., loving, friendly (in cl. less frequently and only in poets): Act.19:31. As subst., a friend; __(a) masc., ὁ φ.: Luk.7:6 11:5 14:10 15:6 16:9 21:16 23:12, Act.27:3, 3Jn.14; opposite to δοῦλος, Jhn.15:15; φ. ἀναγκαῖοι, Act.10:24; with genitive subj., Mat.11:19, Luk.7:34 11:6, 8 12:4 14:12 15:29, Jhn.11:11 15:13-14; ὁ φ. τοῦ νυμφίου, Jhn.3:29; τ. Καίσαρος (see Deiss., BS 167; LAE, 382 f.), Jhn.19:12; θεοῦ (see Hort, in l), Jas.2:23; with genitive of thing(s), τ, κόσμου, Jas.4:4; __(b) fem., ἡ φ., Luk.15:9,† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: friend See also: 3 John 1:14; Luke 11:5; James 2:23.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

μονον monon G3440 "only" Adv

This adverb means only, alone, or merely, often used to emphasize a single thing. For example, in Matthew 14:23, Jesus goes up a mountain alone to pray.

Definition: μόνον, see: μόνος. μόνος, -η, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for לְבַד ;] __1. adj., alone, solitary, forsaken: with verb., Mat.14:23, Mrk.6:47, Luk.9:36, al.; with pron., Mat.18:15, Mrk.9:2, al.; with subst., Mrk.9:8, Luk.4:8, al.; pleonast., οὐκ . . . εἰ μὴ μ., Mat.12:4, Luk.6:4, al.; attrib., only, (ὁ) μ. θεός, Jhn.5:44 17:3, Rom.16:27, 1Ti.1:17, Ju 25. __2. As adv., __(a) neut., (μόνον, alone, only: referring to verb or predic., Mat.9:21, Mrk.5:36, Jas.1:22, al. (see Bl., §44, 2); οὐ (μὴ) μ., Gal.4:18, Jas.1:22; οὐ μ. . . . ἀλλά (Bl, §77, 13.3), Act.19:26, 1Jn.5:6, al.; id. before καί (Bl., §81, 1.2), Rom.5:3 9:10, 2Co.8:19, al.; __(b) κατὰ μόνας, alone (Bl., §44, 1), Mrk.4:10, Luk.9:18. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 67 NT verses. KJV: alone, but, only See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; Hebrews 12:26; 1 Peter 2:18.

τι tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-ASN

This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.

Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.

περισσον perissos G4053 "excessive" Adj-ASN

This word means excessive or superior in quality or quantity. In John 10:10, it describes the abundant life that Jesus offers. It can also mean violent or extreme, as in Mark 6:51.

Definition: περισσός, -ή, -όν [in LXX for יֶתֶר and cogn. forms ;] __1. more than sufficient, over and above, abundant: Jhn.10:10, 2Co.9:1; with genitive (a popular substitute for πλειών, Bl., § 11, 3.4), Mat.5:37; id. with ellips. genitive, Mat.5:47 (EV, more than others; but see infr.); εκ περισσοῦ, Mrk.6:51, Rec., T. (on ὑπὲρ ὲκ π., see: ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ). Compar. neut., -ότερον: Luk.12:4, 48; with genitive, Mrk.12:33; adverbially (cf. περισσῶς), more abundantly, 2Co.10:8, Heb.6:17 7:15; with genitive, π. πάντων, 1Co.15:10; pleonast., μᾶλλον π., Mrk.7:36. __2. out of the common, pre-eminent, superior: Mat.5:47 (Thayer, see word, but see supr.); τὸ π., as subst., Rom.3:1; compar., -ότερος, with genitive, Mat.11:9, Luk.7:26; with subst., Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47, 1Co.12:23-24, 2Co.2:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement(-ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:23; Luke 7:26; Hebrews 6:17.

ποιειτε poieō G4160 "to do/make: do" Verb-PAI-2P

This word means to make or do something, and it's used in a very broad sense. It can mean to create, produce, or cause something to happen. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's creative power, like in Matthew 19:4 and Mark 10:6.

Definition: ποιέω, -ῶ, [in LXX for a great variety of words, but chiefly for עשׂה ;] __1. to make, produce, create, cause: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.9:11, Act.9:39, Rom.9:20, al.; of God as Creator (with accusative of person(s) also), Mat.19:4, Mrk.10:6, Luk.11:40, Act.4:24, Heb.1:2, al.; like Heb. עשׂה, absol. = ἐργάζομαι, to work, Mat.20:12 (cf. Rut.2:19; so AV, but see infr.), Rev.13:5, R, mg. (but see infr.); σκάνδαλα, Rom.16:17; εἰρεήνην, Eph.2:15, Jas.3:18; ἐπίστασιν, Act.24:12; συστροφήν, Act.23:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Luk.1:68, Act.15:3; with nouns expressing action or its accomplishment, forming a periphr. for the cogn. verb: ὁδόν π. (cl. ὁ ποιεῖσθαι), to go on, advance, Mrk.2:23; πόλεμον, Rev.11:7, al.; ἐκδίκησιν, Luk.18:7, 8; ἐνέδραν, Act.25:3; κρίσιν, Jhn.5:27, Ju 15; ἔργα, Jhn.5:36, al.; (σημεῖα), Jhn.2:23 and freq., Act.2:22, al.; so also mid. ποιεῖσθαι: μονήν, Jhn.14:23; πορείαν, Luk.13:22; κοινωνίαν, Rom.15:26; of food, to make ready, prepare: δεῖπνον, Mrk.6:21, al.; δοχήν, Luk.5:29 14:13; γάμους, Mat.22:2; of time, to spend (cl.): ὥραν, Mat.20:12, RV (but see supr. and cf. McN, in l.); μῆνας, Rev.13:5, R, txt. (cf. Swete, in l.; but see supr.); ἐνιαυτόν, Jas.4:13; with accusative before ἐκ, Jhn.2:15, al.; with accusative and accusative pred., Mat.3:3 12:16, Mrk.1:3 3:12, Jhn.5:11, al.; with adv., καλῶς, Mrk.7:37; ἑορτὴν π. (Dem., Exo.23:16, al.), Act.18:21, Rec.; πάσχα, Mat.26:18; to make or offer a sacrifice (Plat., Xen., al.; Job.42:8, 3Ki.11:33; so some understand τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, Luk.22:19, but see Abbott, Essays, 110ff.); before ἵνα (WM, 422f.; M, Pr., 228), Jhn.11:37, Col.4:16, Rev.3:9. __2. to do, perform, carry out, execute: absol., with adv., καλῶς π., Mat.12:12, 1Co.7:37, 38 Jas.2:19; id. before ptcp. (cl.; see M, Pr., 228), Act.10:33, Php.4:14, 2Pe.1:19, 3Jo.6; οὕτως, Mat.24:46, Luk.9:15, al.; ὡς (καθώς), Mat.1:24 2:16, al.; ὁμοίως, Luk.3:11; ὡσαύτως, Mat.20:5; with ptcp., ἀγνοῶν ἐποίησα, 1Ti.1:13; with accusative of thing(s): τί interrog., Mat.12:3, Mrk.2:25, Luk.6:2, al.; τοῦτο, Mat.13:28, Mrk.5:32, Luk.22:19 (WH om.; see supr., ref. to Abbott, Essays), Rom.7:20, al.; with nouns expressing command or regulation: τ. νόμον (not as in cl., to make a law), Jhn.7:19, Gal.5:3 (cf. in LXX, Jos.22:5, 1Ch.22:12, al.); τ. ἐντολάς, Mat.5:19; similarly with other nouns expressing conduct: τ. δικαιοσύνην, Mat.6:1, al.; τ. ἀλήθειαν, Jhn.3:21, al., etc.; with dupl. accusative, Mat.27:22, Mrk.15:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s) (commod., incomm.; rare in cl.), Mat.7:12, Mrk.5:19, 20 Luk.1:49, Jhn.9:26, al. SYN.: πράσσω, which see The general distinction between the two words is that between particular action and its habitual performance (cf. Tr., Syn., §xcvi; Westc. on Jhn.3:21; ICC on Rom.1:32). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 519 NT verses. KJV: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Acts 21:13; 1 Peter 2:22.

ουχι ouchi G3780 "not!" Particle-I

Ouchi is a strong way of saying no in Greek, like saying not at all. It's used in Luke 1:60 and John 13:10 to show a strong negative response.

Definition: οὐχί strengthened form of οὐ, not; __(a) in neg. sentences, not, not at all: Luk.1:60 12:51, Jhn.13:10, al.; __(b) more frequently in questions where an affirm. ans. is expected (Lat. nonne) : Mat.5:46-47, Luk.6:39, Jhn.11:9, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 54 NT verses. KJV: nay, not See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; Luke 12:6; Hebrews 1:14.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

τελωναι telōnēs G5057 "tax collector" Noun-NPM

A tax collector is someone who gathers public revenue, like Matthew in Matthew 10:3. They were often seen as outcasts, but Jesus reached out to them, as in Matthew 9:10-11 and Luke 5:27.

Definition: τελώνης, -ου, ὁ (τέλος, ὠνέομαι) __1. a farmer of taxes (Let. publicanus). __2. A subordinate of the former, who collected taxes or tolls in a particular district, a tax-gatherer (EV, publican): Mat.5:46 10:3, Luk.3:12 5:27, 29 7:29 18:10-11, 13; pl., τ. κ. ἁμαρτωλοί, Mat.9:10-11 11:19, Mrk.2:15-16, Luk.5:30 7:34 15:1; τ. κ. πόρναι, Mat.21:31-32; ὁ ἐθνικὸς κ. ὁ τ., Mat.18:17 (cf. DB, iv, 172; ext., 394 f.; MM, xxiv).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: publican See also: Luke 3:12; Mark 2:15; Matthew 21:32.

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 "thus(-ly)" Adv

Thus means in this way or like this, as when Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 5:16 and Luke 1:25.

Definition: οὕτως, rarely (Bl., §5, 4; WH, App., 146f.) οὕτω, adv. (οὗτος), [in LXX chiefly for כֵּן ;] in this way, so, thus; __1. referring to what precedes: Mat.5:16 6:30, Mrk.10:43 14:59, Luk.1:25 2:48 15:7, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:15, 1Co.8:12, al.; οὕτως καί, Mat.17:12, Mrk.13:29, al.; pleonastically, resuming a ptcp. (cl.; see Bl., §74, 6), Act.20:11 27:17. __2. Referring to what follows: Mat.1:18 6:9, Luk.19:31, Jhn.21:1, 1Pe.2:15; bef. quotations from OT, Mat.2:5, Act.7:6, 1Co.15:45, Heb.4:4. __3. C. adj. (marking intensity): Heb.12:21, Rev.16:18; similarly with adv., Gal.1:6 (cl.). __4. As a predicate (Bl., §76, 1): Mat.1:18 9:33, Mrk.2:1, 2 4:26, Rom.4:18 9:20, I Pe 2:15; οὕ ἔχειν (Lat. sic or ita se habere), Act.7:1, al.; ἐκαθέζετο (as he was, without delay or preparation), Jhn.4:6. __5. In comparison, with correlative adv.: καθάπερ . . . οὕ., Rom.12:4, 5 al.; καθὼς . . . οὕ., Luk.11:30, al.; οὕ. . . . καθώς, Luk.24:24, al.; ὡς . . . οὕ., Rom.5:15, al.; οὕ . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, al; ὥσπερ . . . οὕ., Mat.12:40, al.; οὕ. . . . οὕ., 1Co.7:7. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 206 NT verses. KJV: after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; James 3:10; 1 Peter 2:15.

ποιουσιν poieō G4160 "to do/make: do" Verb-PAI-3P

Study Notes — Matthew 5:47

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 5:47 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 5:47
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 5:47
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 5:47
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 5:47
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 5:47
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 5:47
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 5:47
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 5:47
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 5:47
Sermons on Matthew 5:47

Context — Love Your Enemies

45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?

47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?

48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 5:20	For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
2	Luke 6:32	If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
3	1 Peter 2:20	How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
4	Luke 10:4–5	Carry no purse or bag or sandals. Do not greet anyone along the road. Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’
5	Matthew 10:12	As you enter the home, greet its occupants.

Matthew 5:47 Summary

In Matthew 5:47, Jesus is teaching us that we should not just love and greet those who are like us, but we should love and greet everyone, just like our heavenly Father does (Matthew 5:45). This means that we should not limit our love to just our friends or family, but we should show love and kindness to all people, regardless of their background or behavior. By doing so, we reflect the perfection and love of our heavenly Father, and we demonstrate a higher standard of love than the world around us (Matthew 5:48). We can start by being intentional about greeting and loving those who may be different from us, and by asking God to help us show His love to everyone we meet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to greet only my brothers?

In Matthew 5:47, Jesus is referring to showing love and kindness only to those who are like us or who are part of our inner circle, as seen in the way the Gentiles and tax collectors behave (Matthew 5:46).

Is Jesus saying that greeting others is not important?

No, Jesus is not saying that greeting others is unimportant, but rather that we should not limit our greetings and love to only those who are like us, as even the Gentiles do the same (Matthew 5:47), and we are called to a higher standard of love as seen in Matthew 22:37-40.

How does this verse relate to loving my neighbors?

This verse is closely related to Jesus' command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), and it emphasizes that our love should extend beyond just those who are like us or who are easy to love, as even the Gentiles show love to their own kind (Matthew 5:47).

What is the standard that Jesus is calling us to in this verse?

Jesus is calling us to a standard of perfection, just like our heavenly Father, who shows love and care to all people, regardless of their background or behavior (Matthew 5:45, Matthew 5:48).

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I show love and kindness only to those who are like me, and how can I extend that love to others who may be different?
How can I demonstrate a higher standard of love, like Jesus is calling me to, in my daily interactions with others?
What are some barriers that prevent me from greeting and loving others who are not like me, and how can I overcome those barriers?
In what ways can I reflect the perfection and love of my heavenly Father in my relationships with others, as Jesus calls me to in Matthew 5:48?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 5:47

And if you salute your brethren only,.... This does not mean salutation by embraces or kisses, but by words, asking of each other's welfare, and wishing prosperity and happiness to one another.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 5:47

And if ye salute your brethren only what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 5:47

Ver. 46,47. Reason obliges you, who expect a reward from God for what you do, to do something more than those who know of no such reward, or at least live in no expectation of any such thing; and you who condemn others as great sinners, and men not worthy of your converse, ought to do something by which you may outdo those whom you so condemn, both in offices of piety towards God and charity towards men. But if you only show kindness to your relations and to your countrymen, you do no more than those whom you look upon as heathens and the worst of men, who act only from the light and law of nature, and know of no reward God hath to give, nor live in any such expectation of it. By loving here is meant doing good offices, either for the souls or bodies of others. By saluting is meant common offices of kindness, such as inquiring of our neighbours’ health, wishing them well, &c. The publicans were civil officers appointed by the Romans to gather up public taxes and revenues. The chief commissioners were knights and gentlemen of Rome, who either let out these revenues to others, or employed others under them in the collecting of them. These thus employed were some Jews, (such were Matthew and Zacchaeus), some Romans. These (as is ordinary) made their own markets, and exacted of the people, upon which accounts they were exceeding odious: and therefore ordinarily in Scripture we shall find publicans and sinners put together, 11:19; and they are joined with harlots, ; and the Pharisee in his justification gloried he was not as that publican, . Those who condemn others ought to take care that they be better than others.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 5:47

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Ver. 47. What do ye more than others?] Singular things are expected and required of such as have received singular grace and mercy. As to be eminent in good works, to get above others, to have our feet where other men’ s heads are. The way of the righteous is on high, saith Solomon: he goes a higher way to work than ordinary, and walks ακριβως, accurately, exactly; he gets even to the very top of godliness, as the word importeth. He knows that more than the common stint is required of him, and that he must do that which the world will never do: as to be hot in religion, Revelation 3:16. The carnal gospeller saith, Religiosum oportet esse, non religantem, it is fit to be religious, but not so conscientious. So, to be zealous of good works, Titus 2:14, but with discretion, saith the worldling. The King of Navarre told Beza he would launch no further into the sea than he might be sure to return safe to the haven. Though he showed some countenance to religion, yet he would be sure to save himself. So, to abound in God’ s work, to have a heart full of goodness, as those Romans, Romans 15:14; a life full of good works, as Tabitha, Acts 9:33. But this is to be wise overly much, saith the flesh, Ecclesiastes 7:16. Philosophandum, sed paucis. Philosophize but little. Cicero. What need this waste? said Judas. It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem to worship, said Jeroboam to the people, take a shorter cut rather to the golden calves. "They are idle, they are idle," said Pharaoh of God’ s busiest servants. So, God would have his to walk precisely, Ephesians 5:15. This the mad world mocks at. To pluck out their right eyes, this is a hard saying, saith the sensualist, Matthew 5:29. To offer violence to God’ s kingdom: "fair and softly goes far;" and it is good keeping on the warm side of the hedge, saith the politician. To keep God’ s command ment as the apple of thine eyes; but how few are there that will not break the hedge of any commandment, so they may shun a piece of foul way? Lastly, to love an enemy, do good to them that hate us, &c.; but this seems to be the most unreasonable and impossible. What? love those that hate and hurt them, that daily rage and rail at them, with such bitterness, as if they had been as far as hell for every word that tumbleth out of their mouths against them? &c. Love this man? Nay, then, love the devil himself. They will rather die a thousand deaths than endure such a one: if they could love him, yet they would not.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 5:47

(47) If ye salute your brethren.—The prominence of salutation in the social life of the East gives a special vividness to this precept. To utter the formal “Peace be with you,” to follow that up by manifold compliments and wishes, was to recognise those whom men saluted as friends and brothers. But this the very heathen did (heathen rather than “publicans” being here the true reading): were the followers of Christ to be content with copying heathen customs?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 5:47

Verse 47. And if ye salute your brethren only] Instead of αδελφους brethren, upwards of one hundred MSS., and several of them of great authority and antiquity, have φιλους friends. The Armenian Slavonic, and Gothic versions, with the later Syriac, and some of the primitive fathers, agree in this reading. I scarcely know which to prefer; as brother is more conformable to the Jewish mode of address, it should be retained in the text: the other reading, however, tends to confirm that of the Codex Graevii on Matthew 5:43. On the subject of giving and receiving salutations in Asiatic countries, Mr. Harmer, Observat. vol. ii. p. 327, c., edit. 1808, has collected much valuable information: the following extract will be sufficient to elucidate our Lord's meaning. "Dr. Doddridge supposes that the salutation our Lord refers to, Matthew 5:47, If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? means embracing, though it is a different word. I would observe, that it is made use of in the Septuagint to express that action of endearment and which is made use of by an apocryphal writer, (Ecclus. 30:19,) whereas, the word we translate salute is of a much more general nature: this, I apprehend, arose from his being struck with the thought, that it could never be necessary to caution his disciples, not to restrain the civilities of a common salutation to those of their own religious party. Juvenal, when he satirizes the Jews of the apostolic age for their religious opinions, and represents them as unfriendly, and even malevolent, to other people, Sat. xiv., and when he mentions their refusing to show travellers the way, Non monstrare vias, c., or to point out to them where they might find water to drink when thirsty with journeying, takes no notice of their not saluting those of another nation yet there is no reason to believe, from these words of CHRIST, that many of them at least would not, and that even a Jewish public an received no salutations from one of his own nation, excepting brother publicans. "Nor shall we wonder at this, or think it requisite to suppose the word we translate salute (ασπαζομαι) and which certainly, sometimes at least, signifies nothing more than making use of some friendly words upon meeting with people, must here signify something more particular, since we find some of the present inhabitants of the east seem to want this admonition of our Lord. 'When the Arabs salute one another,' according to Niebuhr, 'it is generally in these terms, Salam aleikum, Peace be with you; in speaking which words they lay the right hand on the heart. The answer is, Aleikum essalam, With you be peace. Aged people are inclined to add to these words, And the mercy and blessing of God. The Mohammedans of Egypt and Syria never salute a Christian in this manner; they content themselves with saying to them, Good day to you; or, Friend, how do you do?

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 5:47

47. salute your brethren only] See Matthew 5:43. The Hebrew salutation was Shalom (peace). The higher MS. authority gives “Gentiles” or “heathen,” instead of “publicans.”

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 5:47

And if you salute your brethren ... - The word “salute” here means to show the customary tokens of civility, or to treat with the common marks of friendship. See the notes at Luke 10:4.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 5:47

47. Do ye more than others — How much soever civilization and the general influences of religion have improved society, the Christian ought to let his light shine by some way showing a superior excellence.

Sermons on Matthew 5:47

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Samuel) Winning Back More Than You Lost by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a story from the Bible about David and his 400 men. Despite being on a mission from God to pursue the Amalekites, David and his men come acro
	What Do Ye More Than Others? (Put on the Provided Wedding Garment: Jesus in His Meekness and lowliness.) by Hans R. Waldvogel	Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the call for Christians to live out their faith in a way that surpasses the behavior of the world, asking, 'What do ye more than others?' He challenges
	Except Ye Repent by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dire plight and desperate need of humanity by contrasting it with the Beatitudes. He asks the congregation if they have ever been lost,
	Christ Explains the Law by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 5 and the importance of understanding Jesus' intentions at Calvary. The sermon focuses on the proper interpretatio
	So Great Salvation by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God and not allowing it to slip away. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife lo
	Confronting the Homosexual Agenda by Michael L. Brown	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the spiritual state of young people in America, as revealed by a survey conducted by George Barna. The survey found that many young people hav
	(Through the Bible) Romans 1-2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the background that Paul paints in chapters 1 and 2 of Romans, setting the stage for the glorious grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ.