King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:45 Mean?

Matthew 5:45 in the King James Version says “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 5:45 · KJV


Context

43

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enemy-love and prayer for persecutors reveal family resemblance to your Heavenly Father. God's common grace—sending rain and sun on righteous and wicked alike—models impartial benevolence. As God's children, Christians must reflect His indiscriminate kindness, not showing favoritism or withholding love based on merit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cultures, including Jewish and pagan, typically limited love to one's own group. Jesus's teaching was revolutionary, extending love even to occupying Roman forces and hostile religious leaders. This became Christian distinctiveness that attracted notice and converts.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are your 'enemies'—people you struggle to love and pray for with genuine goodwill?
  2. How does God's common grace giving good gifts to all people challenge your selective kindness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ὅπως1 of 24

That

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

γένησθε2 of 24

ye may be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

υἱοὶ3 of 24

the children

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τὸν4 of 24

which

G3588

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

πατρὸς5 of 24

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν6 of 24

of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὸν7 of 24

which

G3588

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

ἐν8 of 24

is in

G1722

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

οὐρανοῖς9 of 24

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ὅτι10 of 24

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸν11 of 24

which

G3588

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

ἥλιον12 of 24

sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

αὐτοῦ13 of 24
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

ἀνατέλλει14 of 24

he maketh

G393

to (cause to) arise

ἐπὶ15 of 24

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πονηροὺς16 of 24

the evil

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

καὶ17 of 24

and

G2532

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

ἀγαθοὺς18 of 24

on the good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

καὶ19 of 24

and

G2532

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

βρέχει20 of 24

sendeth rain

G1026

to moisten (especially by a shower)

ἐπὶ21 of 24

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

δικαίους22 of 24

the just

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

καὶ23 of 24

and

G2532

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

ἀδίκους24 of 24

on the unjust

G94

unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen


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 5:45 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 5:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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