ESV Reformation Study Bible – Matt 5:43
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right Matthew chevron-right Matt 5:43
Matt 5:43

5:43 hate your enemy. This is not in the Old Testament, but was a false conclusion in scribal teaching drawn from the narrow understanding of “neighbor” as simply one’s fellow Jew. Jesus shows that the true intent of Lev. 19:18 extends even to one’s enemies (Luke 10:29–37).