Matthew 5:25 - Exposition

Agree with . And that not with a merely formal reconciliation, but reconciliation based on a permanent kindly feeling towards him ( ἴσθι εὐνοῶν ). Professor Margoliouth suggests that this is a confirmation of what he thinks is the original text of Ecclesiasticus 18:20, "Before judgment beg off". Thine adversary . Primarily the injured brother ( vide infra ), Quickly . For such is not the tendency of the human heart. Whiles . Delay not in making reconciliation while you have opportunity. Thayer compares Song of Solomon 1:12 . Thou art . On the indicative, cf. Winer, § 41. b, 3. 2, a, note. In the way with him ; Revised Version, with the manuscripts, with him in the way. The right reading implies that the proximity of the persons may perhaps not last throughout "the way." "The way" is the road to the judge, as explained in -Luke. But being on the road to him is here not presented as a possibility (Luke), but as a certainty. For so, in fact, it is. Lest … the adversary (verse 26, note) deliver thee. Translating from the language of parable to that of fact, it is only if reconciliation has not been made, if the heart is still unforgiving and quarrelsome, that God the Judge will take notice of the offence. And the judge … to the officer ( τῷ ὐπηρέτῃ ); i.e. the officer whose duty it was to execute the judge's commands (cf. Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,' for illustrations). The expression here belongs to the figure; but in Matthew 13:41 similar duties are predicated of the angels. If the figure was derived from the synagogue, the officer would doubtless be the chazzan , of which, indeed, ὑπηρέτης is the technical rendering. And thou be cast ( καισῃ ). The future indicative (still dependent on "lest") brings out the reality of the danger (cf. Bishop Lightfoot, on Colossians 2:8 ).