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Matthew 5:23

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 5:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,
Matthew 5:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.
23If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,
24leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the last farthing.
← Matthew 5:22Matthew 5:24 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, etc.] The Jews obliged such who had done any damage to their neighbours, by stealing from them, to make satisfaction before they brought their offering; concerning which they say f293, “he that brings what he has stolen, before he brings his trespass offering, is right; he that brings his trespass offering, before he brings that which he has stolen, is not right.” Again f294, “they do not bring the trespass offering before the sum of what is stolen is returned, either to the owners, or to the priests.” Some have thought Christ refers to this; only what they restrained to pecuniary damages, he extends to all sorts of offences. But not a trespass…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore--to apply the foregoing, and show its paramount importance. if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught--of just complaint "against thee."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar ... - The Pharisees were intent only on the external act in worship. They looked not at all to the internal state of the mind. If a man conformed to the external rites of religion, however much envy, and malice, and secret hatred he might have, they thought he was doing well. Our Saviour taught a different doctrine. It was of more consequence to have the heart right than to perform the outward act. If, therefore, says he, a man has gone so far as to bring his gift to the very altar, and should remember that anyone had anything against him, it was his duty there to leave his offering and go and be reconciled. While a difference of this nature…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thy brother hath aught against thee - On any of the preceding accounts: for any unkind thought or word: any that did not spring from love. Matthew 5:24”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:23-26 Jesus gives two illustrations of reconciliation in community and society.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“thou: Mat 8:4, Mat 23:19; Deu 16:16, Deu 16:17; Sa1 15:22; Isa 1:10-17; Hos 6:6; Amo 5:21-24 rememberest: Gen 41:9, Gen 42:21, Gen 42:22, Gen 50:15-17; Lev 6:2-6; Kg1 2:44; Lam 3:20; Eze 16:63; Luk 19:8 Matthew 5:24”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 5 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification