Matthew 5:25 Meaning and Explanation
“Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus urges quick reconciliation with an opponent before matters reach the court and prison.
What Does Matthew 5:25 Mean?
Jesus draws an illustration from the legal world. Someone on the way to court with an opponent is urged to settle quickly, before the dispute hardens into judgment, handover to the officer, and imprisonment.
The counsel is practical and urgent: deal with conflict early, while there is still time and goodwill. Delay only deepens the danger and narrows the path to peace. Beyond the everyday wisdom lies a sober reminder that unresolved wrongs carry real consequences before God and others. Jesus presses us to seek reconciliation without delay, for a quarrel mended quickly is mended easily, while one left to harden grows costly. The wise heart makes peace now, rather than gambling on a later that may never come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:25
What does Matthew 5:25 mean?
Jesus urges quick reconciliation with an opponent before matters reach the court and prison.