Matthew 5:47
And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus is pointing out that even the most self-centered people – those often considered "sinners" or "Gentiles" in his day, like tax collectors – would show basic courtesy to their friends. The challenge isn't just to be nice to those who are nice to you, but to extend that kindness to those who are not your friends, demonstrating a completely different, God-like spirit.
Jesus is building on his teaching about loving enemies, pushing back against the common Jewish understanding that "neighbor" only meant fellow Jews. He's highlighting that simply being kind to those you already like or who are like you doesn't demonstrate a different, godly character. If you only offer greetings to your own group, you're no better than the Gentiles or tax collectors, who also naturally favor their own.
Jesus asks a challenging question: 'What more are you doing than others?' It's designed to make us pause and examine our actions.
In this passage, Jesus is calling His followers to a standard of love that goes far beyond what the world expects. He points out that even people who don't know God – the 'Gentiles' or 'publicans' (tax collectors, often seen as sinners) – show kindness and civility to those they consider 'brothers' or friends.
Jesus isn't saying that showing kindness to your friends is wrong. Instead, He's highlighting that this kind of selective kindness is the bare minimum.
The World's Default Setting:
Jesus wants His disciples to operate on a different level – a level that reflects the selfless, abundant love of God Himself.
If loving your own is the baseline, what does it truly mean for a follower of Jesus to go 'above and beyond'?
Jesus' question, 'what more are you doing?' isn't just rhetorical. It's a call to action, pushing us to consider the distinctive mark of Christ's followers.
The 'More' Factor:
Understand the original words
aspazomai · Greek Verb
To salute, welcome, or pay respects to someone; in a biblical context, it often implies showing kindness, fellowship, or acknowledging one's dignity.
adelphos · Greek Noun
Literally male siblings, but frequently used in the New Testament to denote fellow believers or members of the same spiritual family or community.
ethnikos · Greek Noun
People from non-Jewish nations; in a biblical context, often referring to those outside the covenant relationship with God who do not follow His laws.
c. 5th Century BC - 1st Century AD
Jewish Particularism and Hellenistic Influence
During this long period, Jewish identity often solidified in contrast to surrounding Gentile cultures, leading to distinct social and religious practices. Simultaneously, Hellenistic (Greek) culture and its emphasis on civic courtesies influenced the broader Mediterranean world.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Prevalence of Social Greetings and Exclusivity
In the social customs of the time, greetings (salutations) were important signs of recognition and fellowship. However, these greetings were often reserved for one's own group, whether family, countrymen, or those of similar social standing, excluding outsiders.
c. 1st Century AD
Publicans as Social Outcasts
Publicans (tax collectors) were deeply reviled in Jewish society because they worked for the Roman oppressors and were often corrupt and greedy. They were considered sinners and social outcasts, symbolizing those who were furthest from righteous living.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching, asking the same question about the reward one receives if only those who love them show them love, highlighting the commonality with sinners.
1 Samuel 15:22Samuel rebukes Saul for disobedience, stating that obedience and reverence for God are far more pleasing than mere outward acts or sacrifices, underscoring that true righteousness goes beyond superficial actions.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7This passage defines love not by what it receives, but by its active, selfless, and enduring qualities, such as patience and kindness, which should extend even to those who are difficult.
Romans 12:20This verse directly instructs believers to overcome evil with good, echoing Jesus' call to treat others, even enemies, with kindness, rather than reciprocating hostility.
Galatians 5:14The entire Law is summarized in the command to love your neighbor as yourself, emphasizing that the core of God's commands is a radical, all-encompassing love that transcends ordinary human relationships.
barnesMatthew 5:47: "And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?"
And if you salute your brethren ... - The word "salute" here means to show the customary tokens of civility, or to treat with the common marks of friendship. See the notes at Luke 10:4 . The Saviour says that the worst men, the very publicans, would do this. Christians should do more; they should show that they have a different spirit; they should treat their "enemies" as well as wick…
calvinMatthew 5:43-48: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy."
- Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love they neighbor, and thou shalt hate thy enemy. 44. But I say to you, Love your enemies: bless those who curse you: do good to those that hate you: and pray for those who injure and persecute you: 45. That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth ra…
Jesus is pointing out that even the most self-centered people – those often considered "sinners" or "Gentiles" in his day, like tax collectors – would show basic courtesy to their friends. The challenge isn't just to be nice to those who are nice to you, but to extend that kindness to those who are not your friends, demonstrating a completely different, God-like spirit.
Jesus is building on his teaching about loving enemies, pushing back against the common Jewish understanding that "neighbor" only meant fellow Jews. He's highlighting that simply being kind to those you already like or who are like you doesn't demonstrate a different, godly character. If you only offer greetings to your own group, you're no better than the Gentiles or tax collectors, who also naturally favor their own.
Jesus is building on his teaching about loving enemies, pushing back against the common Jewish understanding that "neighbor" only meant fellow Jews. He's highlighting that simply being kind to those you already like or who are like you doesn't demonstrate a different, godly character. If you only offer greetings to your own group, you're no better than the Gentiles or tax collectors, who also naturally favor their own.
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This 'more' is what sets believers apart and demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel.
"And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" — Jesus is pointing out that even the most self-centered people – those often considered "sinners" or "Gentiles" in his day, like tax collectors – would show basic courtesy to their friends. The challe…
