New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 5:25

The Sermon on the Mount

Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:25 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 5:25, in plain English

Jesus says: settle your conflicts quickly, before they escalate. If someone has a grievance against you, resolve it on the way to court rather than letting a judge decide.

Why it's here

Unresolved conflict only gets worse with time. Jesus is practical: deal with it now while you still can, before it spirals out of control.

Who's speaking

Jesus urges quick reconciliation.

Where it sits in the story

This is wisdom for everyday life: don't let small offenses become big problems. Address them early.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus uses a legal metaphor: settle disputes quickly (tachu) while on the way (en te hodo) to court, before the adversary (antidikos) hands you over to the judge. This has both practical (avoid legal consequences) and eschatological (avoid divine judgment) dimensions.

Language and setting

Roman-era debtor's courts could result in imprisonment until the debt was fully repaid. The 'way to court' symbolizes the limited time before final judgment.

Voice

Jesus, urging urgency in reconciliation.

Significance

Jesus extends the reconciliation teaching from religious settings to everyday legal disputes, making peace a comprehensive lifestyle.

In context

Matthew 5:23–27

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

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

25Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

26Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

27You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’

Read all of Matthew 5 — Jesus turns the world's values upside down. The blessed aren't the powerful — they're the poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek.

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