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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And whoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If a soldier forces you to carry his pack one kilometer, carry it two kilometers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him twain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go two with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And whoever shall constrain thee to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And whoever shall compel you to convey his goods one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And whoever will impress you one mile, go with him two;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And whoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And whoever shall impress thee one mile, go with him two,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And whoever shall compel thee to carry dispatches one mile, go forward with him two.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And whosoever will force thee one mile, go with him other two, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And whoever will have compelled you for one thousand steps, go with him even for two thousand steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Whoever compels you to carry a burden for a mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Whoever compels you to go one mile with him, go with him two miles.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And whoever will compel you to go one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him two.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And whosoever shall press thee for one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and if any one will press you to go a mile with him, go with him the other two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And whoever shall compel you to convey his goods one mile, go with him two.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and whosoever shall impress you <i>to go</i> one mile, go with him two.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and if any <Fr><i>one</i><FR> shall force thee one mile, go with him two.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/5-41.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1158" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Love Your Enemies</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">40</span>if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; <span class="reftext">41</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hostis (RelPro-NMS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">if someone</a> <a href="/greek/29.htm" title="29: angareusei (V-FIA-3S) -- Of foreign origin; properly, to be a courier, i.e. to press into public service.">forces you to go</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-ANS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/3400.htm" title="3400: milion (N-ANS) -- A Roman mile, measuring 1478.5 meters or 5820.9 feet. Of Latin origin; a thousand paces, i.e. A mile.">mile,</a> <a href="/greek/5217.htm" title="5217: hypage (V-PMA-2S) -- To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.">go</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-ANP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two miles.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">42</span>Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Luke 6:29-30</a></span><br />If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. / Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20-21</a></span><br />On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">1 Peter 2:20-23</a></span><br />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. / For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: / “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a></span><br />Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a></span><br />For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a></span><br />If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a></span><br />I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-19.htm">Genesis 50:19-21</a></span><br />But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. / Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22-23</a></span><br />“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” / So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.</p><p class="hdg">compel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-32.htm">Matthew 27:32</a></b></br> And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/15-21.htm">Mark 15:21</a></b></br> And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-26.htm">Luke 23:26</a></b></br> And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear <i>it</i> after Jesus.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Compel</a> <a href="/job/32-18.htm">Compels</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Constrain</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-7.htm">Convey</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-8.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-1.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-18.htm">Impress</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/acts/1-12.htm">Mile</a> <a href="/revelation/21-16.htm">Miles</a> <a href="/matthew/5-40.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-42.htm">Twain</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/15-21.htm">Compel</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">Compels</a> <a href="/mark/15-21.htm">Constrain</a> <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Convey</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/mark/15-21.htm">Impress</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/acts/1-12.htm">Mile</a> <a href="/luke/24-13.htm">Miles</a> <a href="/matthew/10-11.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Twain</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">48. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and if someone forces you to go one mile</b><br>In the historical context of Roman-occupied Judea, Roman soldiers had the legal right to compel civilians to carry their equipment for a distance of one mile. This practice was a form of conscription and was deeply resented by the Jewish population. The term "forces" reflects the compulsory nature of this act, which was not voluntary but mandated by law. This phrase highlights the oppressive nature of Roman rule and the everyday challenges faced by the Jewish people under occupation. The concept of being forced to go a mile can also be seen as a metaphor for the burdens and injustices imposed by those in power.<p><b>go with him two miles</b><br>Jesus' instruction to go two miles instead of one is a radical call to exceed the expectations of the law and to respond to oppression with unexpected generosity. This teaching aligns with the broader message of the Sermon on the Mount, which emphasizes love, humility, and self-sacrifice. By suggesting that one should willingly go beyond what is required, Jesus is advocating for a transformative approach to injustice, one that seeks to overcome evil with good. This principle is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21</a>, which encourages believers to "overcome evil with good." The act of going the extra mile can be seen as a type of Christ, who went beyond the requirements of the law to offer grace and redemption to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which is a foundational teaching of Christian ethics and behavior.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/roman_soldiers.htm">Roman Soldiers</a></b><br>In the historical context, Roman soldiers could compel civilians to carry their gear for a mile. This practice is likely the backdrop for Jesus' teaching.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jewish_audience.htm">Jewish Audience</a></b><br>The primary audience of the Sermon on the Mount, who would have been familiar with Roman occupation and the legal impositions it entailed.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sermon_on_the_mount.htm">Sermon on the Mount</a></b><br>The setting of this teaching, where Jesus outlines the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/first-century_judea.htm">First-Century Judea</a></b><br>The geographical and cultural context, under Roman rule, where such impositions were a common experience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_context.htm">Understanding the Context</a></b><br>Recognize the historical practice of Roman soldiers compelling civilians, which makes Jesus' teaching radical and counter-cultural.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/radical_generosity.htm">Radical Generosity</a></b><br>Jesus calls His followers to exceed expectations, demonstrating love and grace even in situations of compulsion or injustice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformative_attitude.htm">Transformative Attitude</a></b><br>Going the extra mile is about transforming our attitude from one of obligation to one of willing service and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_love.htm">Reflecting Christ's Love</a></b><br>By going beyond what is required, we reflect the sacrificial love of Christ, who gave His life for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application.htm">Practical Application</a></b><br>In our daily lives, look for opportunities to serve others beyond what is expected, whether at work, in our communities, or within our families.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'a_bruised_reed'_mean.htm">How do biblical idioms shape modern Christian language?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_biblical_idioms_shape_todayand#8217;s_christian_language.htm">How do biblical idioms shape modern Christian language?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/customer_feedback_on_their_experience.htm">What do customers say about their experience with us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_journey_to_the_cross_39.htm">What key events occur in Journey to the Cross, Part 39?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(41) <span class= "bld">Whosoever shall compel thee.</span>--The Greek word implies the special compulsion of forced service as courier or messenger under Government, and was imported from the Persian postal system, organised on the plan of employing men thus impressed to convey Government dispatches from stage to stage (Herod. viii. 98). The use of the illustration here would seem to imply the adoption of the same system by the Roman Government under the empire. Roman soldiers and their horses were billeted on Jewish householders. Others were impressed for service of longer or shorter duration.<p><span class= "bld">A mile.</span>--The influence of Rome is shown by the use of the Latin word (slightly altered) for the <span class= "ital">mille passuum,</span> the thousand paces which made up a Roman mile--about 142 yards short of an English statute mile. It is interesting to note a like illustration of the temper that yields to compulsion of this kind, rather than struggle or resist, in the teaching of the Stoic Epictetus--"Should there be a forced service, and a soldier should lay hold on thee, let him work his will<span class= "ital">;</span> do not resist or murmur" (<span class= "ital">Diss.</span> iv., i. 79).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 41.</span> - Matthew only. <span class="cmt_word">Shall compel thee to go</span>; Revised Version margin, "Gr. impress" (<span class="greek">ἀγγαρεύσει</span>). From the Persian. Hatch ('Essays,' p. 37) shows that while the classical usage strictly refers to the Persian system or' mounted couriers (described in Herod., 8:98; Xen., 'Cyr.,' 8:6. 17), the post-classical usage refers to the later development of a system, not of postal service, but of the forced transport of military baggage. It thus indicates, not merely forced attendance, but forced carrying. Hence it is used in <a href="/matthew/27-32.htm">Matthew 27:32</a> and <a href="/mark/15-21.htm">Mark 15:21</a> of Simon the Cyrenian, "who was pressed by the Roman soldiers who were escorting our Lord not merely to accompany them but also to carry a load." Thus here also the thought is doubtless that of being compelled to carry baggage. There may also be a reference, as Hatch suggests, to the oppressive conduct of the Roman soldiers (cf. <a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14</a>). (For the spirit of our Lord's saying, <span class="accented">vide</span> also 'Aboth,' 3:18 (Taylor), where the probable translation is, "Rabbi Ishmael said, Be pliant of disposition and <span class="accented">yielding to impressment."</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>A mile</span>; Revised Version, <span class="accented">one mile</span>; but see <a href="/matthew/8-19.htm">Matthew 8:19</a>, note. A Roman mile of a thousand paces. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-41.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">if someone</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅστις</span> <span class="translit">(hostis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> </span><span class="str2">Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">forces you to go</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγγαρεύσει</span> <span class="translit">(angareusei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_29.htm">Strong's 29: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of foreign origin; properly, to be a courier, i.e. to press into public service.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="grk">ἕν</span> <span class="translit">(hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mile,</span><br /><span class="grk">μίλιον</span> <span class="translit">(milion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3400.htm">Strong's 3400: </a> </span><span class="str2">A Roman mile, measuring 1478.5 meters or 5820.9 feet. Of Latin origin; a thousand paces, i.e. A 'mile'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="grk">ὕπαγε</span> <span class="translit">(hypage)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5217.htm">Strong's 5217: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">μετ’</span> <span class="translit">(met’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">two.</span><br /><span class="grk">δύο</span> <span class="translit">(dyo)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/5-41.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:41 Whoever compels you to go one mile (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-40.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:40"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:40" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-42.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:42"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:42" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>