Matthew 5:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus says that recalling a brother's grievance while worshiping should prompt action.
What Does Matthew 5:23 Mean?
Continuing his teaching on anger and broken relationships, Jesus pictures someone at the temple altar, about to present an offering to God, who suddenly remembers that a brother has something against him.
The setting is striking: worship is interrupted by the memory of a damaged relationship. Jesus implies that our standing with God is bound up with our standing with one another. We cannot wall off our devotion from our dealings with people. Even in the holiest moment, God presses us to remember those we have wronged, for he desires reconciled hearts more than ritual gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:23
What does Matthew 5:23 mean?
Jesus says that recalling a brother's grievance while worshiping should prompt action.