Matthew 5:38-48

Modern English Version

Teaching About Revenge^(A)

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’^{[a] 39} But I say to you, do not resist an evil person. But whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other as well. ⁴⁰ And if anyone sues you in a court of law and takes away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. ⁴¹ And whoever compels you to go a mile,^[b] go with him two. ⁴² Give to him who asks you, and from him who would borrow from you do not turn away.

Love for Enemies^(B)

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor^[c] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ 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, ⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet your brothers only, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? ⁴⁸ Therefore be perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.