Difference between revisions of "Matt 5:46-48"

Revision as of 23:26, 15 November 2009

The New Testament > Matthew > Chapter 5

Questions

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Lexical notes

Notice the footnote that explains what “perfect” means: whole, complete, finished, developed. With this, a better translation of the verse might be: “Be ye therefore whole, even as your Father in heaven is whole.”

Exegesis

Verse 48

This verse marks a significant break in the Sermon on the Mount. It is the culmination of the Sermon to this point. As such perhaps we should understand it as a restatement of verse 3—as well as a followup to verses 43-47.

It may be that Jesus is quoting or paraphrasing Lev 19:2 here: “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.” To understand what it means to be whole, contrast this with the idea of the double-minded person (James 1:8).

Related links

• David A. Bednar, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them," Ensign, Nov 2006, pp. 89–92. Elder Bednar said: "Interestingly, the admonition to 'be ye therefore perfect' is immediately preceded by counsel about how we should act in response to wrongdoing and offense... If a person says or does something that we consider offensive, our first obligation is to refuse to take offense and then communicate privately, honestly, and directly with that individual. Such an approach invites inspiration from the Holy Ghost and permits misperceptions to be clarified and true intent to be understood."