King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:25 Mean?

Matthew 5:25 in the King James Version says “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 5:25 · KJV


Context

23

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25

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.

26

Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

27

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Quick reconciliation with adversaries prevents escalating consequences. This applies both to legal disputes and spiritual realities. Unresolved sin leads to judgment. The urgency reflects both practical wisdom (settle lawsuits early) and spiritual reality (be reconciled to God before death).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman legal system allowed creditors to imprison debtors until payment. The 'officer' (bailiff) would enforce the judge's sentence. Jesus uses this legal reality to illustrate spiritual truth: settle accounts before reaching the point of no return.

Reflection Questions

  1. What relationships or spiritual matters are you putting off that need urgent attention?
  2. How does this passage relate to being reconciled with God through Christ while there is still time?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
Ἴσθι1 of 32

Agree

G2468

be thou

εὐνοῶν2 of 32
G2132

to be well- minded, i.e., reconcile

τῷ3 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀντίδικος4 of 32

adversary

G476

an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)

σου5 of 32

with thine

G4675

of thee, thy

ταχὺ6 of 32

quickly

G5035

shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily

ἕως7 of 32

whiles

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ὅτου8 of 32
G3755

during which same time, i.e., whilst

εἶ9 of 32

thou art

G1488

thou art

ἐν10 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ11 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδῷ12 of 32

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

μετ'13 of 32

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ14 of 32

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μήποτέ15 of 32

lest at any time

G3379

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

σε16 of 32

thee

G4571

thee

παραδῷ17 of 32

deliver

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

18 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀντίδικος19 of 32

adversary

G476

an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)

τῷ20 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κριτής21 of 32

the judge

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)

καὶ22 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

23 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κριτής24 of 32

the judge

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)

σε25 of 32

thee

G4571

thee

παραδῷ26 of 32

deliver

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

τῷ27 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπηρέτῃ28 of 32

to the officer

G5257

an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)

καὶ29 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰς30 of 32

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

φυλακὴν31 of 32

prison

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

βληθήσῃ·32 of 32

thou be cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 5:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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