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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-44.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/40_Mat_05_44.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/5-44.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/5-44.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 44</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/5-43.htm" title="Matthew 5:43">◄</a> Matthew 5:44 <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm" title="Matthew 5:45">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those persecuting you, <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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; <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, <a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you; <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I command you all, love your enemies, and pray for your persecutors; <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but I say to you, love your enemies, bless those cursing you, do good to those hating you, and pray for those accusing you falsely, and persecuting you, <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those persecuting you, <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but I -- I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those cursing you, do good to those hating you, and pray for those accusing you falsely, and persecuting you, <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But I say to you, Love your enemies, praise them cursing you, do well to them hating you, and pray for them threatening you, and driving you out.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But I say to you, Love your enemies: do good to them that hate you: and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you: <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But I say to you: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. And pray for those who persecute and slander you. <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I say to you, Love your enemies, and bless anyone who curses you, and do good to anyone who hates you, and pray for them who carry you away by force and persecute you, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I say to you, love your enemies and bless the one who curses you, and do what is beautiful to the one who hates you, and pray over those who take you by force and persecute you.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But I say to you, Love your enemies: bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who insult you and persecute you: <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But I say unto you, Love your enemies with a divine love, bless those who curse you and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you:<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who treat you insolently, and persecute you; <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who traduce you, and persecute you: <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I command you all, love your enemies, and pray for your persecutors; <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>but I say to you, Love your enemies; and pray for those who persecute you;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that abuse you and persecute you;<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-44.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1175" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Love Your Enemies</a> …43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ 44<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapate (V-PMA-2P) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">love</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/2190.htm" title="2190: echthrous (Adj-AMP) -- Hated, hostile; subst: an enemy. From a primary echtho; hateful; usually as a noun, an adversary.">enemies</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4336.htm" title="4336: proseuchesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.">pray</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: diōkontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">persecute</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a> Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20-21</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12-13</a> We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a> 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. <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a> Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. <a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a> Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a> Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Colossians 3:13</a> Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-8</a> Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a> Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, <a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a> Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you;<a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4,5</a> If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again… <a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22</a> And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.<a href="/2_chronicles/28-9.htm">2 Chronicles 28:9-15</a> But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/31-20.htm">Accusing</a> <a href="/haggai/2-19.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/matthew/4-3.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-13.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Despitefully</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-5.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/micah/3-9.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Insult</a> <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">Love</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-29.htm">Mistreat</a> <a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Persecutors</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/15-3.htm">Accusing</a> <a href="/luke/1-64.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/matthew/8-18.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Despitefully</a> <a href="/matthew/10-36.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/luke/1-71.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/matthew/22-6.htm">Insult</a> <a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Love</a> <a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Mistreat</a> <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/john/5-16.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Persecutors</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div>1. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a> 43. <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a> 48. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But I tell you This phrase emphasizes the authority of Jesus as a teacher and lawgiver. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts His teachings with traditional interpretations of the Law. His use of "I tell you" asserts His divine authority, echoing the prophetic tradition where God speaks directly to His people. This phrase also highlights the new covenant Jesus is establishing, which fulfills and transcends the old covenant.love your enemies The command to love one's enemies is radical and countercultural, especially in the historical context of Roman-occupied Judea, where animosity between Jews and Romans was prevalent. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of love as a fundamental characteristic of God's nature (1 <a href="/john/4-8.htm">John 4:8</a>). It also reflects the sacrificial love Jesus exemplified, particularly in His willingness to forgive those who crucified Him (<a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a>). Loving enemies is a call to reflect God's unconditional love, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>).and pray for those who persecute you Prayer for persecutors is an extension of loving one's enemies and is a practical expression of that love. In the early Christian context, believers faced persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. Praying for persecutors not only seeks their transformation but also aligns the believer's heart with God's will, fostering forgiveness and compassion. This teaching is exemplified by Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who prayed for his executioners (<a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a>). It also echoes the prophetic call to seek the welfare of those who oppose God's people, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a> Those who oppose or are hostile towards believers, representing a challenge to the natural human inclination to retaliate. 3. <a href="/topical/p/persecutors.htm">Persecutors</a> Individuals or groups who actively seek to harm or oppress believers, often because of their faith. 4. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all followers of Christ who are called to live out His commands. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sermon_on_the_mount.htm">Sermon on the Mount</a> The setting of this teaching, a collection of Jesus' teachings that outline the ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/radical_love.htm">Radical Love</a> Jesus calls His followers to a radical form of love that transcends human instincts. This love is not based on emotions but is a deliberate choice to act in the best interest of others, including enemies. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_tool_for_transformation.htm">Prayer as a Tool for Transformation</a> Praying for those who persecute us not only aligns our hearts with God's will but also opens the door for transformation in both the persecutor and the believer. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a> By loving our enemies, we reflect the character of God, who shows love and mercy to all, regardless of their actions towards Him. <a href="/topical/b/breaking_the_cycle_of_retaliation.htm">Breaking the Cycle of Retaliation</a> Jesus' teaching breaks the cycle of retaliation and revenge, promoting peace and reconciliation instead. <a href="/topical/p/practical_steps.htm">Practical Steps</a> Implementing this command involves practical steps such as forgiving offenses, seeking reconciliation, and actively doing good to those who oppose us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_35_conflict_with_nt_forgiveness.htm">Psalm 35 – Does the Psalm’s tone of retribution conflict with New Testament teachings about forgiveness? </a> <a href="/q/love_or_destroy_enemies.htm">Should enemies be loved or destroyed? (Matthew 5:44 vs. 1 Samuel 15:3)</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_praying_for_enemies.htm">What did Jesus mean by "pray for your enemies"?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_enemy_prayer.htm">What does the Bible say about praying for enemies?</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>(44) Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.--The latter words are omitted in so many of the most ancient MSS. that most recent editors hold that they were inserted in the fourth or fifth century, so as to bring the verse into verbal agreement with <a href="/luke/6-28.htm" title="Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which spitefully use you.">Luke 6:28</a>. Taking it as it stands here, we note (1) the extension of the command to love our neighbour (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm" title="You shall not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.">Leviticus 19:18</a>), so that it includes even those whom natural impulse prompts us to hate; (2) the stress laid on prayer as the highest utterance of that love. In such cases, circumstances may preclude acts which would be rejected, and words that would be met with scorn, but the prayer that they too may be delivered from the evil which has been their curse is always in our power, and in so praying we are drawing near to the mind of God, and asking that our wills may be as His.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 44. - Parallel passage: <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27, 28</a>. But I say unto you, Love your enemies. Of all kinds, whether personal or opponents of you as Christians. Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. Rightly omitted by the Revised Version as interpolated from Luke, (For the thought, cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a>; <a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a>.) And pray. In fullest contrast to the continual ill-wishing of the enemy. "They who can pray for their enemies can accomplish the rest" (Weiss, 'Life,' 2:154). Thus to pray is to come very near to the spirit of Christ (cf. <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a>; <a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Acts 7:60</a>). As a modern example: "Some persons had never had a particular place in my prayers, but for the injuries they have done to me" (Burkitt, ' Diary,' in Ford, on ver. 5). For them that despitefully use you, and persecute you. The words, "that despitefully use you and," are to be omitted, with the Revised Version, as in effect interpolated from Luke. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-44.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. love ἀγαπᾶτε (agapate) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. enemies ἐχθροὺς (echthrous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2190.htm">Strong's 2190: </a> Hated, hostile; subst: an enemy. From a primary echtho; hateful; usually as a noun, an adversary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. pray προσεύχεσθε (proseuchesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship. for ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. those who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. persecute διωκόντων (diōkontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. you, ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:44 But I tell you love your enemies (Matt. 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