Matthew 5:48

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Matthew 5:48 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

King James Version KJV

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

American Standard Version ASV

Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Be then complete in righteousness, even as your Father in heaven is complete.

Free Bible Version FBV

Grow up and become completely trustworthy, just as your heavenly Father is trustworthy.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Ye shall therefore be perfit, as your Father which is in heauen, is perfite.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

ye shall therefore be perfect, as your Father who [is] in the heavens is perfect.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.

Translation for Translators T4T

You need to love those who do not love you, and in that way become perfect as God your Father, who is in heaven, is perfect.”

Plain English Version PEV

So this is what I say. You have to be properly good, just like your father in heaven is properly good.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 5:48

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 5:48 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK εσεσθε ουν υμεις τελειοι ωσπερ ο πατηρ υμων ο εν τοις ουρανοις τελειος εστιν

εσεσθε eimi G1510 to be Verb-FDI-2P

ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj

υμεις su G4771 you Pron-2NP

τελειοι teleios G5046 perfect Adj-NPM

ωσπερ hōsper G5618 just as Adv

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

πατηρ patēr G3962 father Noun-NSM

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

ουρανοις ouranos G3772 heaven Noun-DPM

τελειος teleios G5046 perfect Adj-NSM

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 5:48

εσεσθε eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-FDI-2P

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj

This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.

Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.

υμεις su G4771 "you" Pron-2NP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

τελειοι teleios G5046 "perfect" Adj-NPM

This word describes something or someone as complete or mature, like a fully grown person. In Philippians 3:15, it refers to being spiritually mature, and in Hebrews 5:14, it describes those who are mature in their faith.

Definition: τέλειος, -α, -ον (τέλος), [in LXX chiefly for שָׁלֵם, תָּמִים and cogn. forms ;] having reached its end, finished, mature, complete, perfect; __1. of persons, primarily of physical development, __(a) full-grown, mature: Heb.5:14; ethically: Php.3:15; opposite to νήπιος (-άζειν), 1Co.2:6 14:20, Eph.4:13; τ. καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι, Col.4:12; τ. ἐν Χριστῷ, Col.1:28; __(b) complete, perfect (expressing the simple idea of complete goodness, without reference either to maturity or to the philosophical idea of a τέλος; see Hort on Jas.1:4): Mat.5:48 19:21, Jas.1:4 3:2; of God, Mat.5:48. __2. Of things, complete, perfect: Rom.12:2; ἔργον, Jas.1:4; νόμος, Jas.1:25; δώρημα, Jas.1:17; ἀγάπη, 1Jn.4:18; τὸ τ., 1Co.13:10; compar., τελειοτέρα (σκηνή), Heb.9:11. (There is probably no reference in St. Paul's usage to the use of this term in the ancient mysteries; cf. ICC on Col.1:28; but see also Lft., in l, and Notes, 173 f.) † SYN.: see: ὁλόκληρος (and cf. Rendall, He., 158 ff.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: of full age, man, perfect See also: 1 Corinthians 2:6; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 5:14.

ωσπερ hōsper G5618 "just as" Adv

This word means just as or exactly like, used for comparisons in the Bible. It appears in Matthew 6:2 and 1 Corinthians 8:5.

Definition: ὥσ-περ adv., just as, even as: Mat.6:2 20:28, Act.3:17, 1Co.8:5, 1Th.5:3 al.; in protasis, with οὕτως (καί) in apodosis: Mat.12:40, Luk.17:24, Jhn.5:21, Rom.5:19, Gal.4:29, Jas.2:26, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: (even, like) as See also: 1 Corinthians 8:5; Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 4:10.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πατηρ patēr G3962 "father" Noun-NSM

A father is a male parent, like Joseph, the father of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 2:22 and Luke 1:17. It can also refer to a forefather or ancestor, like Abraham, as seen in Matthew 3:9 and John 8:39.

Definition: πατήρ, πατρός, -τρί, τέρα, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for אָב ;] a father; __1. prop., __(a) of the male parent: Mat.2:22, Luk.1:17, Jhn.4:53; anarth., Heb.12:7 (M, Pr., 82 f.); pl., of both parents (cl.), Heb.11:23; οἱ π. τ. σαρκός, Heb.12:9; __(b) of a forefather or ancestor (in cl. usually in pl.; Hom., al.): Mat.3:9, Luk.1:73, Jhn.8:39, al.; pl., Mat.23:30, 32 Luk.6:23, 26 Jhn.4:20, 1Co.10:1, al. __2. Metaphorical, __(a) of an author, originator, or archetype (= αἴτιος, ἀρχηγός, etc.; Pind., Plat., al.): Jhn.8:41-44, Rom.4:11, 12 16. __(b) as a title of respect or honour, used of seniors, teachers and others in a position of responsible authority (Jdg.17:10, 2Ki.2:12, Pro.1:8, al.): Mat.23:9 Act.7:2 22:1, 1Jn.2:13. __3. Of God (as in cl. of Zeus) as Father; __(a) of created things: τ. φώτων, Jas.1:17; __(b) of all sentient beings: Eph.3:14, 15 Heb.12:9; __(with) of men, esp. those in covenant relation with Him (freq in OT and later Jewish lit.; see Dalman, Words, 184ff.): Mat.6:4, Luk.6:36, Jhn.4:21, Jas.3:9, al.; ὁ π. ὁ ἐν (τ.) οὐρανοῖς, Mat.5:16, Mrk.11:25; ὁ π. ὁ οὐράνιος, Mat.6:14 15:13; esp. in the Epp., of Christians: Rom.8:15, 2Co.6:18, Gal.4:6, Eph.2:18 4:6, 1Jn.2:1; with genitive qual., τ. οἰκτιρμῶν, 2Co.1:3; τ. δοξῆς, Eph.1:17; __(d) of Christ (Dalman, Words, 190 ff.); __(α) by our Lord himself: ὁ π., Mat.11:25-27, Luk.10:2, 22 Jhn.5:20-23, al.; ὁ π. μου, Mat.11:27, al.; ὁ ἐν τ. οὐρανοῖς, Mat.7:11, al.; ὁ οὐράνιος, Mat.15:13; vocat., Jhn.11:41 12:27, 28 17:1, 5, 11, 20, 25 (cf. Abbott, JG., 96 f.); __(β) by Apostles: Jhn.1:14 (anarth.; see M, Pr., l.with), Rom.15:6, 2Co.1:3 11:31, Eph.1:3, Col.1:3, Heb.1:5, 1Pe.1:3, Rev.1:6 (cf. Westc., Epp. Jo., 27-34). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 370 NT verses. KJV: father, parent See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 8:9; 1 Peter 1:2.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ουρανοις ouranos G3772 "heaven" Noun-DPM

The Greek word for heaven refers to the sky and God's home, symbolizing happiness and power. It's used in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 5:18 and Hebrews 1:10. This concept represents the universe and eternity.

Definition: οὐρανός, -οῦ, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for שָׁמַיִם (hence, often pl., οἱ οὐ., see infr.) ;] heaven; __1. of the vault or firmament of heaven, the sky and the aerial regions above the earth: opposite to ἡ γῆ, Heb.1:10, 2Pe.3:5, 10; ὁ οὐ. καὶ ἡ γῆ, i.e. the world, the universe, Mat.5:18, Mrk.13:31, Luk.10:21, Act.4:24, Rev.10:6, al.; ἀπ᾽ ἄκρων οὐ. ἕως ἄ. αὐτῶν (on the absence of art. aft. prep., see Bl, §46, 5), Mat.24:31; ὑπὸ τὸν οὐ., Act.2:5, Col.1:23; ὑψωθῆναι ἕως τοῦ οὐ., figuratively, Mat.11:23, Luk.10:15; σημεῖον ἐκ τοῦ οὐ., Mat.16:1, Mrk.8:11, al.; αἱ νεφέλαι, Mat.24:30, al.; τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐ., Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:32, al.; οἱ ἀστέρες τοῦ οὐ., Rev.6:13, al.; pl. (οἱ) οὐ. (Bl., §32, 5), Mat.3:16, Mrk.1:10, Jhn.1:32, 2Pe.3:7, 13 al. __2. Of the abode of God and other blessed beings: of angels, Mat.24:36, Mrk.12:25, Gal.1:8, Rev.10:1, al.; of Christ glorified, Mrk.16:[19], Luk.24:51, Act.3:21, Rom.10:6, al.; of God, Mat.5:34, Rom.1:18, al.; ὁ Πατὴρ ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐ. (Dalman, Words, 184ff.), Mat.5:16 6:1, al.; θησαυρὸς ἐν οὐ., Mat.6:20, Mrk.10:21, al. __3. By meton., __(a) of the inhabitants of heaven: Rev.18:20 (cf. ib. 12:12, Job.15:15, Isa.44:23); __(b) as an evasive reference to God, characteristic of later Judaism (Dalman, Words, 204ff.): Mat.21:25, Mrk.11:30, Luk.15:18, Jhn.3:27, al.; ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐ. (= τοῦ Θεοῦ); see: βασιλεία). βασιλεία, -ας, ἡ (βασιλεύω), [in LXX chiefly for מַמְלָכָה ,מַלְכוּת ;] __1. prop. abstract, sovereignty, royal power, dominion: Luk.1:33 22:29, Jhn.18:36, Act.1:6, Heb.1:8, 1Co.15:24; λαβεῖν β., Luk.19:12, 15 Rev.17:12; δοῦναι τὴν, ib. 17; ἔχειν β., ib. 18; ἔρχεσθαι ἐν τ. (εἰς τὴν) β., Mat.16:28, Luk.23:42; β. τ. θεοῦ, Rev.12:10. __2. By meton., concrete (MM, Exp., x), __(a) a kingdom, the territory or people over whom the king rules (Est.5:3, al.): Mat.4:8 12:25, 26 24:7, Mrk.3:24 6:23, Luk.4:5, Heb.11:33, al.; __(b) the royal majesty (cf. our phrase His Majesty), the king himself (τ. σπέρμα τῆς β., 4Ki.11:1). __3. In LXX (Wis.6:5, Tob.13:1, al.), Targ. and NT, of the Messianic rule and kingdom, ἡ β. τ. θεοῦ, τ. οὐρανῶν (Heb. מַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם, Aram. מַלְכוּתָא דִשׁמַיָּא; see Dalman, Words, 91-147; Cremer, 132, 658), the kingdom of God (on the equivalence of the two phrases, see Dalman, op. cit., 93, 218f.); τ. θεοῦ, Mat.6:33 12:28, al.; τ. οὐρανῶν, Mat.3:2 4:17, al.; τ. Χριστοῦ (מַלִכוּת דִמְשִׁיחא, Targ. Jon. on Isa.53:10), Eph.5:5; τ. κυρίου, 2Pe.1:11, Rev.11:15; τ. Δαυείδ, Mrk.11:10; absol., ἡ β., Mat.4:23, Jas.2:5, al. The kingdom is regarded as present: Mat.11:12, Luk.17:21, Rom.14:17, al.; as that which is to be consummated in the future, Mat.6:10, Mrk.9:1, Jhn.3:5, 2Pe.1:11, al. Noteworthy phrases are: ζητεῖν τὴν β., Mat.6:33; δέχεσθαι, Mrk.10:15; κλρονομεῖν, Mat.25:34; διδόναι, Lk 12:32; παραλαμβάνειν, Heb.12:28; αὐτῶν (τοιούτων) εστὶν ἡ β., Mat.5:3, 10 19:14, Mrk.10:14, Luk.18:16; διὰ τὴν β., Mat.19:12; ἕνεκεν τῆς β., Luk.18:29; εὐαγγελίζεσθαι, κηρύσσειν, διαγγέλλειν τὴν β., Luk.4:43 9:2, 60; ἤγγικεν ἡ β., Mat.3:2, Mrk.1:15; κλεῖς τῆς β., Mat.16:10; κλείειν τὴν β., Mat.23:14; υἱοὶ τῆς β., Mat.8:12 13:38 (cf. Cremer, 132, 658). \ (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 261 NT verses. KJV: air, heaven(-ly), sky See also: 1 Corinthians 8:5; Luke 15:21; 1 Peter 1:4.

τελειος teleios G5046 "perfect" Adj-NSM

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: of full age, man, perfect See also: 1 Corinthians 2:6; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 5:14.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

Study Notes — Matthew 5:48

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 5:48 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 5:48
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 5:48
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 5:48
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 5:48
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 5:48
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 5:48
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 5:48
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 5:48
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 5:48
Sermons on Matthew 5:48

Context — Love Your Enemies

46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?

48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 1:15–16	But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
2	James 1:4	Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
3	Leviticus 19:2	“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
4	Luke 6:36	Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
5	Deuteronomy 18:13	You must be blameless before the LORD your God.
6	Ephesians 5:1–2	Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
7	Colossians 1:28	We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
8	1 John 3:3	And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.
9	Luke 6:40	A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
10	2 Corinthians 7:1	Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Matthew 5:48 Summary

[This verse is calling us to strive for a life of love, kindness, and holiness, just like our heavenly Father. It's not about being flawless, but about reflecting God's character in our lives, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. By following Jesus' teachings and seeking to glorify God, we can grow in perfection and become more like our heavenly Father, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Ephesians 5:1-2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect?

Being perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect means striving to reflect God's character and nature in our lives, as seen in Matthew 5:48, and is supported by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 22:37-40, which emphasizes loving God and others.

Is it possible for humans to be perfect like God?

While humans cannot achieve perfection on their own, Jesus' command to be perfect is a call to pursue a life of obedience and holiness, with the understanding that true perfection comes through faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in Hebrews 10:14.

How can we strive for perfection in our daily lives?

We can strive for perfection by following Jesus' teachings, such as loving our enemies and forgiving those who wrong us, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28, and by seeking to glorify God in all aspects of our lives, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Does this verse imply that we can earn salvation through our own efforts?

No, this verse is not about earning salvation, but rather about living a life that reflects our heavenly Father's character, as a response to the salvation we have received through faith in Jesus Christ, as explained in Ephesians 2:8-10 and Titus 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I can strive to be more like my heavenly Father, and how can I take steps to grow in those areas?
How can I demonstrate the love and perfection of God in my relationships with others, especially those who may be difficult to love?
What are some practical ways I can 'be perfect' in my daily interactions and decisions, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in those moments?
In what ways can I reflect the perfection of God in my thoughts, words, and actions, and how can I ask the Holy Spirit to help me in this pursuit?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father,.... This perfection is to be restrained to the subject Christ is upon, love to men, and not to be referred to any, or every other thing; wherefore, in Lu 6:36

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 5:48

Perfect here is not taken in that sense as it is taken in other texts of Scripture, where it signifieth sincerity and uprightness, as , or where it signifieth a comparative perfection, as Paul saith he spake to those that were perfect; but for an absolute perfection, such as is in our Father which is in heaven, and so much is signified by the proposing of our heavenly Father as our example. Nor will it therefore follow, either that this is a mere counsel, not a precept, or that an absolute perfection in holiness is a thing in this life attainable. But that it is our duty to labour for it, forgetting what is behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, as the apostle speaks, ,14. Pro perfecto est qui perfecto proximus. God accounts him perfect who is nearest to perfection.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 5:48

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Ver. 48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father, &c.] The child (saith one) is the father multiplied, the father of a second edition. Of Constantine’ s sons Eusebius reporteth, that they "put on their father’ s fashions, and did exactly resemble him." And of Irenaeus, the same author telleth us that he expressed to the life the learning and virtues of his master Polycarp. It were happy for us (and we must labour it) if we could pass into the likeness of the heavenly pattern. Our summum bonum consists in communion with God and conformity to him; in keeping inward peace with God, that he "abhor us not because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters," Deuteronomy 32:19; and in seeking and keeping (as much as may be) peace with all men and holiness; purifying ourselves as he is pure, 1 John 3:3; (in quality, though we cannot in an equality), from the love of every lust (the ground of all our wranglings, James 4:1), but especially from the passions and perturbations of the heart, possessing ourselves in patience. For if patience have her perfect work we shall be perfect and entire, wanting nothing, James 1:4. For "perfect" St Luke hath it, "Be merciful," &c., Luke 6:36. ολονενεδυσαντοτονκονσταντινονεμπρεποντεςτποςτουπατροςκαλλωπισμασιν. Eusebius.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 5:48

(48) Be ye therefore perfect.—Literally, Ye therefore shall be perfect—the ideal future that implies an imperative. Your Father which is in heaven.—The better reading gives, your heavenly Father. The idea of perfection implied in the word here is that of the attainment of the end or ideal completeness of our being. In us that attainment implies growth, and the word is used (e.g., in 1 Corinthians 2:6; Hebrews 5:14) of men of full age as contrasted with infants. In God the perfection is not something attained, but exists eternally, but we draw near to it and become partakers of the divine nature when we love as He loves: ———“Earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 5:48

Verse 48. Be ye therefore perfect - as your Father] God himself is the grand law, sole giver, and only pattern of the perfection which he recommends to his children. The words are very emphatic, εσεσθεουνυμειςτελειοι, Ye shall be therefore perfect - ye shall be filled with the spirit of that God whose name is Mercy, and whose nature is love. God has many imitators of his power, independence, justice, c., but few of his love, condescension, and kindness. He calls himself LOVE, to teach us that in this consists that perfection, the attainment of which he has made both our duty and privilege: for these words of our Lord include both a command and a promise. "Can we be fully saved from sin in this world?" is an important question, to which this text gives a satisfactory answer: "Ye shall be perfect, as your Father, who is in heaven, is perfect." - As in his infinite nature there is no sin, nothing but goodness and love, so in your finite nature there shall dwell no sin, for the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus shall make you free from the law of sin and death, Romans 8:2. God shall live in, fill, and rule your hearts and, in what He fills and influences, neither Satan nor sin can have any part. If men, slighting their own mercies, cry out, This is impossible!-whom does this arguing reprove - God, who, on this ground, has given a command, the fulfilment of which is impossible. "But who can bring a clean out of an unclean thing?" God Almighty - and, however inveterate the disease of sin may be, the grace of the Lord Jesus can fully cure it; and who will say, that he who laid down his life for our souls will not use his power completely to effect that salvation which he has died to procure. "But where is the person thus saved?" Wherever he is found who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and his neighbour as himself; and, for the honour of Christianity and its AUTHOR, may we not hope there are many such in the Church of God, not known indeed by any profession of this kind which they make, but by a surer testimony, that of uniformly holy tempers, piety to God, and beneficence to man? Dr. Lightfoot is not perfectly satisfied with the usual mode of interpreting the 22nd verse of this chapter. I subjoin the substance of what he says. Having given a general exposition of the word brother, which the Jews understood as signifying none but an Israelite - ενοχος, which we translate is in danger of, and which he shows the Jews used to signify, is exposed to, merits, or is guilty of-and the word gehenna, hell-fire, which he explains as I have done above, he comes to the three offences, and their sentences.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 5:48

48. Be ye] Lit. Ye shall be perfect. Either (1) in reference to a future state, “if ye have this true love or charity ye shall be perfect hereafter;” or (2) the future has an imperative force, and perfect is limited by the preceding words = perfect in respect of love, i. e. “love your enemies as well as your neighbours,” because your Father being perfect in respect of love does this.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect ... - The Saviour concludes this part of the discourse by commanding his disciples to be “perfect.” This word commonly means “finished, complete, pure, holy.” Originally, it

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 5:48

48. Perfect… as your Father — Be not at the low standard of publicans and other ordinary men; but make God your model; as was commanded in Matthew 5:45.

Sermons on Matthew 5:48

	Sermon	Description
	Be Ye Holy by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the demand for perfect holiness from God. He explains that there are three ways people respond to this call to be holy. The first response is
	Repentance - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He highlights the contrast between the younger son, who repents and returns to his fat
	Beatitudes/clothed in Christ 1 by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and authority of true prophets of God. He highlights how the prophets in the Bible, including Paul, delivered strong and sometimes
	Holy Man of God by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker sh
	How to Cultivate the Holy Spirits Presence by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker criticizes a pastor who prioritizes watching a televised fight over a missionary convention. He emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and havin
	A Man After God's Own Heart by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of jealousy and its condemnation in the eyes of God. He uses the story of David and his enemy to illustrate how jealou
	Attributes of God (Series 1): The Perfection of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and holiness of God. He compares the excitement of a child playing with a ball to our attempts to impress God with our achieve