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

Other Translations of Matthew 5:23

New International Version

23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,

English Standard Version

23  So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

The Message

23 "This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you,

New King James Version

23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

New Living Translation

23 "So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 5:23

Commentary on Matthew 5:21-26

(Read Matthew 5:21-26)

The Jewish teachers had taught, that nothing except actual murder was forbidden by the sixth commandment. Thus they explained away its spiritual meaning. Christ showed the full meaning of this commandment; according to which we must be judged hereafter, and therefore ought to be ruled now. All rash anger is heart murder. By our brother, here, we are to understand any person, though ever so much below us, for we are all made of one blood. "Raca," is a scornful word, and comes from pride: "Thou fool," is a spiteful word, and comes from hatred. Malicious slanders and censures are poison that kills secretly and slowly. Christ told them that how light soever they made of these sins, they would certainly be called into judgment for them. We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all our brethren; and if at any time there is a quarrel, we should confess our fault, humble ourselves to our brother, making or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed: and we should do this quickly; because, till this is done, we are unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. And when we are preparing for any religious exercises, it is good for us to make that an occasion of serious reflection and self-examination. What is here said is very applicable to our being reconciled to God through Christ. While we are alive, we are in the way to his judgement-seat; after death, it will be too late. When we consider the importance of the case, and the uncertainty of life, how needful it is to seek peace with God, without delay!

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.

Other Translations of Matthew 5:24

New International Version

24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

English Standard Version

24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

The Message

24 abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.

New King James Version

24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

New Living Translation

24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 5:24

Commentary on Matthew 5:21-26

(Read Matthew 5:21-26)

The Jewish teachers had taught, that nothing except actual murder was forbidden by the sixth commandment. Thus they explained away its spiritual meaning. Christ showed the full meaning of this commandment; according to which we must be judged hereafter, and therefore ought to be ruled now. All rash anger is heart murder. By our brother, here, we are to understand any person, though ever so much below us, for we are all made of one blood. "Raca," is a scornful word, and comes from pride: "Thou fool," is a spiteful word, and comes from hatred. Malicious slanders and censures are poison that kills secretly and slowly. Christ told them that how light soever they made of these sins, they would certainly be called into judgment for them. We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all our brethren; and if at any time there is a quarrel, we should confess our fault, humble ourselves to our brother, making or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed: and we should do this quickly; because, till this is done, we are unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. And when we are preparing for any religious exercises, it is good for us to make that an occasion of serious reflection and self-examination. What is here said is very applicable to our being reconciled to God through Christ. While we are alive, we are in the way to his judgement-seat; after death, it will be too late. When we consider the importance of the case, and the uncertainty of life, how needful it is to seek peace with God, without delay!

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Other Translations of Matthew 6:15

New International Version

15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

English Standard Version

15  but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The Message

15 If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.

New King James Version

15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

New Living Translation

15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 6:15

Commentary on Matthew 6:9-15

(Read Matthew 6:9-15)

Christ saw it needful to show his disciples what must commonly be the matter and method of their prayer. Not that we are tied up to the use of this only, or of this always; yet, without doubt, it is very good to use it. It has much in a little; and it is used acceptably no further than it is used with understanding, and without being needlessly repeated. The petitions are six; the first three relate more expressly to God and his honour, the last three to our own concerns, both temporal and spiritual. This prayer teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and that all other things shall be added. After the things of God's glory, kingdom, and will, we pray for the needful supports and comforts of this present life. Every word here has a lesson in it. We ask for bread; that teaches us sobriety and temperance: and we ask only for bread; not for what we do not need. We ask for our bread; that teaches us honesty and industry: we do not ask for the bread of others, nor the bread of deceit, Proverbs 31:27, but the bread honestly gotten. We ask for our daily bread; which teaches us constantly to depend upon Divine Providence. We beg of God to give it us; not sell it us, nor lend it us, but give it. The greatest of men must be beholden to the mercy of God for their daily bread. We pray, Give it to us. This teaches us a compassion for the poor. Also that we ought to pray with our families. We pray that God would give it us this day; which teaches us to renew the desires of our souls toward God, as the wants of our bodies are renewed. As the day comes we must pray to our heavenly Father, and reckon we could as well go a day without food, as without prayer. We are taught to hate and dread sin while we hope for mercy, to distrust ourselves, to rely on the providence and grace of God to keep us from it, to be prepared to resist the tempter, and not to become tempters of others. Here is a promise, If you forgive, your heavenly Father will also forgive. We must forgive, as we hope to be forgiven. Those who desire to find mercy with God, must show mercy to their brethren. Christ came into the world as the great Peace-maker, not only to reconcile us to God, but one to another.