Matthew 5:40 Meaning and Explanation
“And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus teaches a generous, ungrasping spirit even when wrongfully taken to court.
What Does Matthew 5:40 Mean?
Jesus gives a second illustration of his teaching against retaliation. If someone sues to take your inner garment, let him have your outer cloak as well -- giving even more than is demanded.
The picture calls for a heart so free of grasping that it will not cling to its rights at the cost of strife. Jesus is not abolishing property or justice but cutting the root of vengeful self-defense. His followers are to be marked by an open-handed generosity that startles the world. Such freedom comes from trusting God as our true provider and security, so that we need not fight for every possession.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:40
What does Matthew 5:40 mean?
Jesus teaches a generous, ungrasping spirit even when wrongfully taken to court.