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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Matthew 5:43–48

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

30 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 43

  1. Leviticus 19:18Rank 1 from verse 43
    Open

    18¶ Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

  2. Psalms 139:21–22Rank 2 from verse 43
    Open

    21Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

    22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

  3. Galatians 5:13–14Rank 3 from verse 43
    Open

    13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

    14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

  4. Matthew 19:19Rank 4 from verse 43
    Open

    19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

  5. Romans 13:8–10Rank 5 from verse 43
    Open

    8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

    9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

    10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

From verse 44

  1. Romans 12:14Rank 1 from verse 44
    Open

    14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

  2. 1 Peter 3:9Rank 2 from verse 44
    Open

    9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

  3. Luke 6:27–28Rank 3 from verse 44
    Open

    27¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

    28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

  4. Romans 12:20–21Rank 4 from verse 44
    Open

    20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

    21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  5. Proverbs 25:21–22Rank 5 from verse 44
    Open

    21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

    22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.

From verse 45

  1. Psalms 145:9Rank 1 from verse 45
    Open

    9The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

  2. Luke 6:35Rank 2 from verse 45
    Open

    35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

  3. Acts 14:17Rank 3 from verse 45
    Open

    17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

  4. Job 25:3Rank 4 from verse 45
    Open

    3Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

  5. Ephesians 5:1Rank 5 from verse 45
    Open

    1BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

From verse 46

  1. Luke 6:32–35Rank 1 from verse 46
    Open

    32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

    33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

    34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

    35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

  2. 1 Peter 2:20–23Rank 2 from verse 46
    Open

    20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

    21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

    22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

    23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

  3. Matthew 11:19Rank 3 from verse 46
    Open

    19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

  4. Matthew 9:10–11Rank 4 from verse 46
    Open

    10¶ And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

    11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

  5. Luke 15:1Rank 5 from verse 46
    Open

    1THEN drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

From verse 47

  1. Luke 6:32Rank 1 from verse 47
    Open

    32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

  2. Matthew 5:20Rank 2 from verse 47
    Open

    20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  3. 1 Peter 2:20Rank 3 from verse 47
    Open

    20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

  4. Luke 10:4–5Rank 4 from verse 47
    Open

    4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

    5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

  5. Matthew 10:12Rank 5 from verse 47
    Open

    12And when ye come into an house, salute it.

From verse 48

  1. 1 Peter 1:15–16Rank 1 from verse 48
    Open

    15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

    16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

  2. James 1:4Rank 2 from verse 48
    Open

    4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

  3. Leviticus 19:2Rank 3 from verse 48
    Open

    2Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.

  4. Deuteronomy 18:13Rank 4 from verse 48
    Open

    13Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.

  5. Luke 6:36Rank 5 from verse 48
    Open

    36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:43

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heard

↗

Sense 1: Perceived by the ear. Sense 2: Received or learned by report. Sense 3: Listened to, regarded, or heeded. Sense 4: Favourably attended to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

love

↗

Sense 1: Affection, attachment, delight, goodwill, commitment, or devotion. Sense 2: To regard with affection or devotion. Sense 3: A beloved person.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hate

↗

To feel strong dislike, aversion, or enmity toward; in comparisons, to love less.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:44

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

say

↗

Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

love

↗

Sense 1: Affection, attachment, delight, goodwill, commitment, or devotion. Sense 2: To regard with affection or devotion. Sense 3: A beloved person.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

bless

↗

To pronounce or bestow good, favor, or happiness; to praise, thank, or glorify God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

curse

↗

Sense 1: A pronouncement, sentence, or imposed condition of evil, loss, or judgment; an oath invoking such a penalty. Sense 2: As a verb, to pronounce judgment or evil upon, condemn, or revile.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hate

↗

To feel strong dislike, aversion, or enmity toward; in comparisons, to love less.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

pray

↗

Sense 1: To ask, beseech, request, or entreat. Sense 2: To make requests or supplications to God, or address him in worship.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

use

↗

Sense 1: Employment, purpose, or customary practice. Sense 2: As a verb, to employ or be accustomed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

persecute

↗

Trouble, afflict, or pursue after; to pursue, harass, or oppress.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Skeat 1893

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:45

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

children

↗

Sons or daughters; descendants; or persons likened to children by age, relation, or character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

father

↗

Sense 1: A male parent or begetter. Sense 2: An ancestor, forefather, founder, source, originator, chief, elder, or one bearing paternal authority and care. Sense 3: God as Father, including the Father of Jesus Christ and of those described as his children.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

maketh

↗

Third-person singular present form of make (to form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sun

↗

The great light that rules the day and gives light and heat.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

rise

↗

To get up, stand, ascend, increase, begin, appear, come forth, awaken, proceed to act or oppose, attain authority, or return from the dead.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

on

↗

1. At, upon, or in contact with the named place, object, side, or time. 2. Toward, against, concerning, depending upon, or directed to the named person or thing. 3. Forward or continuing; in joined expressions such as go on, put on, and lay hold on, the other words supply the particular action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

rain

↗

Sense 1: Water falling in drops from the clouds. Sense 2: As a verb, to fall or pour down like rain.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

unjust

↗

Sense 1: Not right, fair, lawful, honest, or equitable; unrighteous, wicked, fraudulent, partial, or withholding what is due. Sense 2: A person so acting.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:46

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

love

↗

Sense 1: Affection, attachment, delight, goodwill, commitment, or devotion. Sense 2: To regard with affection or devotion. Sense 3: A beloved person.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

reward

↗

Sense 1: A benefit, payment, honour, punishment, or recompense given or received. Sense 2: As a verb, to give such a return.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:47

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

brethren

↗

1. Persons of the same people, tribe, community, or shared service who are regarded or addressed as brothers. 2. Persons regarded as brothers by reason of faith or another spiritual relation. 3. Male siblings or other male relatives.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:48

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

perfect

↗

Complete, whole, sound, mature, upright, fully fitted, finished, exact, or lacking nothing required for the person, work, knowledge, state, purpose, or standard in view; to perfect is to bring to that intended completion or maturity.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

father

↗

Sense 1: A male parent or begetter. Sense 2: An ancestor, forefather, founder, source, originator, chief, elder, or one bearing paternal authority and care. Sense 3: God as Father, including the Father of Jesus Christ and of those described as his children.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

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Surrounding Verses

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42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

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44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Selected passage

45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Selected passage

46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Selected passage

47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

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48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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