Matthew:5:43-48

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rwp @Matthew:5:43 @{And hate thine enemy } (\kai mis ˆseis \). This phrase is not in strkjv @Leviticus:19:18 |, but is a rabbinical inference which Jesus repudiates bluntly . The Talmud says nothing of love to enemies . Paul in strkjv @Romans:12:20 | quotes strkjv @Proverbs:25:22 | to prove that we ought to treat our enemies kindly . Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies and did it himself even when he hung upon the cross . Our word "neighbour " is "nigh-bor ," one who is nigh or near like the Greek word \pl ˆsion \ here . But proximity often means strife and not love . Those who have adjoining farms or homes may be positively hostile in spirit . The Jews came to look on members of the same tribe as neighbours as even Jews everywhere . But they hated the Samaritans who were half Jews and lived between Judea and Galilee . Jesus taught men how to act as neighbours by the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke:10:29ff .|). rwp @Matthew:5:48 @{Perfect } (\teleioi \). The word comes from \telos \, end , goal , limit . Here it is the goal set before us , the absolute standard of our Heavenly Father . The word is used also for relative perfection as of adults compared with children . strkjv @Matthew:6:1 @{Take heed } (\prosechete \). The Greek idiom includes "mind " (\noun \) which is often expressed in ancient Greek and once in the Septuagint (Job:7:17 |). In the New Testament the substantive \nous \ is understood . It means to "hold the mind on a matter ," take pains , take heed . "Righteousness " (\dikaiosun ˆn \) is the correct text in this verse . Three specimens of the Pharisaic "righteousness " are given (alms , prayer , fasting ). {To be seen } (\theath ˆnai \). First aorist passive infinitive of purpose . Our word _theatrical_ is this very word , spectacular performance . {With your Father } (\para t “i patri hum “n \). Literally "beside your Father ," standing by his side , as he looks at it .

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