Go the Second Mile

38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.(A)[a] 39 But I tell you, don’t resist[b] an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.(B) 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt,[c] let him have your coat[d] as well. 41 And if anyone forces[e] you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.(C)

Love Your Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor(D)[f] and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies[g] and pray for those who[h] persecute you,(E)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:38 Ex 21:24; Lv 24:20; Dt 19:21
  2. Matthew 5:39 Or don’t set yourself against, or don’t retaliate against
  3. Matthew 5:40 Lit tunic; = inner garment
  4. Matthew 5:40 Or garment; lit robe; = outer garment
  5. Matthew 5:41 Roman soldiers could require people to carry loads for them.
  6. Matthew 5:43 Lv 19:18
  7. Matthew 5:44 Other mss add bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,
  8. Matthew 5:44 Other mss add mistreat you and

19 For you, being so wise, gladly put up with fools!(A) 20 In fact, you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours(B) you, if someone captures you, if someone dominates you, or if someone hits(C) you in the face. 21 I say this to our shame: We have been weak.

But in whatever anyone dares to boast—I am talking foolishly—I also dare:

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