Bible Strands
Matthew 5:47
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, placing this teaching directly after the example of tax collectors and immediately before the command to be perfect. He addresses a crowd that includes both followers and outsiders.
The words — The Greek ἀσπασησθε (aspasēsthe) translates literally as "you shall greet," while μόνον (monon) means "only." These terms anchor the rhetorical question about restricting friendly conduct to insiders.
The thread — The same conditional structure and rhetorical comparison to outsiders appears in Luke 6:32, and the demand for superior righteousness connects to Matthew 5:20.
Why it lands — The text states that greeting only brothers yields no distinction from Gentile practice. It requires the reader to extend courtesy beyond familial or religious boundaries without relying on social reciprocity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Cross-references
- Luke 6:32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
- Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
- 1 Peter 2:20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
- Luke 10:4 Carry no purse or bag or sandals. Do not greet anyone along the road.
- Matthew 10:12 As you enter the home, greet its occupants.