Matthew 5:25 is the twenty-fifth verse of the fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament and is part of the Sermon on the Mount. In this first of the 6 Antitheses Jesus has been attacking anger and advocating reconciliation. In this verse he states that it is prudential to quickly reach agreement with one's adversary.
Content
In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads:
The World English Bible translates the passage as:
The Novum Testamentum Graece text is:
For a collection of other versions see BibleHub Matthew 5:25.
Analysis
This verse is very similar to . In the Gospel of Matthew this verse could be interpreted as practical advice for staying out of prison. In Luke the context makes clear that it is an eschatological metaphor, with the judge being God and prison eternal punishment. Most interpret Matthew the same way. Albright and Mann have difficulty with this metaphor, as there is no space for an accuser who should be reconciled in the last judgement. Albright and Mann are also uncomfortable at how closely this verse links good behaviour to the promise of avoiding punishment. They thus feel that some material is likely missing from this section.
The Greek translation has a slightly different meaning. Instead of "agree" it may be translated as "quickly have kind thoughts for..." or "be well disposed toward..."
Commentary from the Church Fathers
Hilary of Poitiers: The Lord suffers us at no time to be wanting in peaceableness of temper, and therefore bids us be reconciled to our adversary quickly, while on the road of life, lest we be cast into the season of death before peace be joined between us.