Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text doesn't just say "lend," but specifically "from him that would borrow." This subtle phrasing highlights the attitude of generosity, urging us to not just respond when asked directly, but to proactively consider those who desire to borrow, even if they hesitate to ask outright. It calls us to be attentive to needs around us, going beyond mere obligation to a willing spirit of giving.
Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is continuing his teaching on how his followers should live differently from the world, moving from resisting evil and turning the other cheek to generosity. Building on the idea of not seeking repayment for personal injuries, he now addresses financial requests, urging a spirit of giving and lending without expecting anything in return. This instruction sets the stage for his more challenging command to love enemies and be generous even when it’s not reciprocated.
Jesus calls us to give and lend freely. But does this mean giving away everything we have, no matter the cost?
Jesus is calling us to a radical generosity that isn't governed by human logic or expecting a return. He contrasts this with the way the world operates, where kindness is often transactional – you help me, I help you.
Is Jesus laying down strict rules for every financial transaction, or is He shaping something deeper within us?
Jesus isn't just giving a financial policy; He's calling for a transformed heart. The command to 'give' and 'not refuse to borrow' isn't meant to be a rigid, legalistic rule to be applied blindly in every situation.
Instead, it's about cultivating a generous disposition.
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Understand the original words
aiteō · Greek Verb
To ask for something, usually out of need or dependency. It is used both for those asking for charity and for believers presenting requests to God in prayer.
apostrephō · Greek Verb
To turn away or reject a request. Biblically, it often carries the connotation of turning one's back on a person in need or turning away from divine truth.
daneizō · Greek Verb
To receive something on loan with the intent to return it. Biblical law provides specific guidelines for lending and borrowing, emphasizing mercy and the prohibition of usury among brothers.
Jesus' teaching on giving and lending, while rooted in the Old Testament's call for compassion, elevates the principle beyond the specific regulations of the Mosaic Law. It calls for a spirit of selfless generosity, distinct from the 'mercenary regard' of the world, yet not encouraging irresponsibility.
c. 1400 BC
Mosaic Law Established
The Law given to Moses includes commands about lending and giving to the poor, such as Deuteronomy 15:7-8, which states: "If among you, one of your brothers should become poor... you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever that may be." This established a framework for Israelite charity and mutual support.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel led to widespread displacement and hardship. This event likely created many individuals in genuine need, underscoring the importance of compassionate giving within the remaining Jewish communities.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, followed by the exile of many Judeans to Babylon, created immense suffering and poverty. This period would have tested the community's ability to support one another and reinforced the need for generosity, even in dire circumstances.
c. 450 BC
Nehemiah Addresses Debt Bondage
Following the return from exile, Nehemiah confronted the wealthy Jews who had oppressed the poor by charging exorbitant interest and foreclosing on property. He compelled them to return lands and cancel debts, highlighting the dangers of exploitative lending and the importance of brotherhood (Nehemiah 5:1-13).
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers his most famous sermon, outlining the ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:42 is part of this discourse, presenting a radical ethic of giving and lending that goes beyond mere legal obligation or self-interest.
c. AD 50
Paul's Letter to the Thessalonians
The Apostle Paul addresses issues of idleness and support within the church, stating, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10). This provides a crucial qualification to Jesus' command, emphasizing that Christian generosity should not foster laziness but should be discerning and responsible.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 5:42, adding the crucial phrase 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' which highlights the selfless, unconditional nature of Christian giving.
Deuteronomy 15:7-9This Old Testament passage lays the groundwork for Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the responsibility to help the needy and the prohibition against hardening one's heart, providing historical context for the command.
Proverbs 19:17This Proverb offers a divine promise of reward for showing kindness to the poor and lending to them, underscoring the spiritual significance of generosity that Jesus also emphasizes.
2 Thessalonians 3:10This passage provides a necessary balance to Jesus' command, clarifying that while we should be generous, we are not called to support idleness; it reminds us that work is essential and to provide for those who refuse to work is not God's way.
1 Timothy 5:8This verse offers another practical consideration, reminding believers that their primary responsibility is to care for their own family, which is a vital qualification for exercising broader generosity.
vincentMatthew 5:42: "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."
Borrow (δανίσασθαι)Properly, to borrow at interest.
calvinMatthew 5:42: "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."
- If you shall lend to those from whom you hope that you will receive, what kindness will it be in you? for sinners also lend to sinners, that they may receive the like. 35. Lend ye, expecting nothing again, and your reward shall be great.
Matthew 5:42. Give to him that asketh of thee. Though the words of Christ, which are related by Matthew, appear to command us to give to all without di…
The text doesn't just say "lend," but specifically "from him that would borrow." This subtle phrasing highlights the attitude of generosity, urging us to not just respond when asked directly, but to proactively consider those who desire to borrow, even if they hesitate to ask outright. It calls us to be attentive to needs around us, going beyond mere obligation to a willing spirit of giving.
Jesus is continuing his teaching on how his followers should live differently from the world, moving from resisting evil and turning the other cheek to generosity. Building on the idea of not seeking repayment for personal injuries, he now addresses financial requests, urging a spirit of giving and lending without expecting anything in return. This instruction sets the stage for his more challenging command to love enemies and be generous even when it’s not reciprocated.
Jesus is continuing his teaching on how his followers should live differently from the world, moving from resisting evil and turning the other cheek to generosity. Building on the idea of not seeking repayment for personal injuries, he now addresses financial requests, urging a spirit of giving and lending without expecting anything in return. This instruction sets the stage for his more challenging command to love enemies and be generous even when it’s not reciprocated.
"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." — The text doesn't just say "lend," but specifically "from him that would borrow." This subtle phrasing highlights the attitude of generosity, urging us to not just respond when asked directly, but t…
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Last reviewed October 2026