Is "enemy" meant literally in Matthew 5:44?

The teachings of Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount have long been recognized for their radical call to holiness and transformative love. Among these teachings, Matthew 5:44 stands out as both challenging and controversial: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

One pressing question often arises: Is the word "enemy" meant to be taken literally in this verse, or does it carry a broader or symbolic meaning? This blog post examines the context, language, and interpretation of Matthew 5:44 to explore whether Jesus intended "enemy" in a literal sense.

The Context of Matthew 5:44

The term 'enemy' is used throughout the New Testament to describe actual adversaries—whether personal, social, or national. The range of meaning does not suggest an abstract concept, but rather points to real people who wish harm or act in opposition.

How Did Jesus’ Audience Understand "Enemy"?

In first-century Judea, Jesus’ audience would have understood "enemy" in a literal and immediate sense. They lived under Roman occupation, faced religious persecution, and experienced personal and communal conflict. For them, "enemy" included Roman soldiers, local oppressors, and even rival religious groups. Loving such people would have been a radical—and, to many, an offensive—command. There is little evidence that those listening would have interpreted "enemy" as metaphorical or symbolic. Instead, they would have understood it as a call to love those who truly and actively opposed them.

Jesus’ Own Example

Jesus’ life and ministry provide a living commentary on his teaching. He embodied love for enemies in his interactions: showing compassion to Roman centurions (Matthew 8:5-13), forgiving those who crucified him (Luke 23:34), and dining with tax collectors and sinners who were often despised by the religious elite. His command to love enemies was not theoretical; it was practical and demonstrated even in his final hours.

Parallel Teachings in the New Testament

Other New Testament writers echo Jesus’ teaching and reinforce the literal understanding of "enemy." Paul, for example, urges believers in Romans 12:20, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink." This instruction is clearly practical and applies to real-life adversaries. Similarly, Peter encourages believers to refrain from repaying evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9). Nowhere do these writers suggest that "enemy" is symbolic; they assume the presence of real opposition in the lives of Christians.

Interpretations Through Church History

Throughout church history, major Christian thinkers have understood "enemy" in Matthew 5:44 as literal. Early Church Fathers like Tertullian and Origen emphasized enemy-love as a distinctive mark of Christian ethics. During times of persecution, such as under the Roman Empire or in later centuries, Christians interpreted this command as a call to forgive and pray for their actual persecutors. The literal reading has also influenced movements for peace and nonviolence, such as those led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Desmond Tutu, who drew on Jesus’ words to advocate for loving those who opposed justice and freedom.

Common Objections and Misunderstandings

Despite the weight of evidence for a literal understanding, some readers seek to soften the command, arguing that "enemy" could refer only to personal grudges or spiritual adversaries, or that it is unattainable in daily life. However, the broader scriptural witness and the example of Christ himself counter these objections. While Jesus’ teaching certainly applies to situations of personal animosity, its scope is not limited to minor quarrels. It encompasses all who oppose, harm, or persecute us—whether personally, socially, or even politically.

Does "Enemy" Include Spiritual Forces?

Some interpreters suggest that "enemy" might refer to spiritual enemies, such as Satan or demonic forces. While the New Testament does speak of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12), the context of Matthew 5:44 and parallel passages consistently points to human adversaries. The commands to love, pray, and do good are relational and practical, aimed at transforming interpersonal relationships rather than addressing spiritual entities.

Practical Implications for Christians Today

If "enemy" in Matthew 5:44 is meant literally, what does this mean for believers in the modern world? First, it calls Christians to a radically different response to conflict, injustice, and persecution. Instead of harboring hatred or seeking revenge, followers of Jesus are called to actively seek the good of those who oppose them. This does not mean condoning evil or ignoring injustice, but rather responding with love, prayer, and practical kindness.

Second, the literal reading challenges believers to expand their understanding of who qualifies as an "enemy." It may include those of different political or religious views, individuals who have wronged us, or entire groups with whom we are in conflict. Jesus’ words invite Christians to examine their hearts and extend love beyond their comfort zones.

The Transformative Power of Enemy-Love

The command to love enemies is not just morally admirable; it is spiritually transformative. Loving those who oppose us reflects the character of God, who "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). It breaks cycles of hatred and vengeance and opens the door to reconciliation and healing.

Addressing the Difficulty of the Command

It must be acknowledged that loving literal enemies is extremely difficult. Jesus’ command is not sentimental but costly. It requires supernatural grace and reliance on the Holy Spirit. In practical terms, loving enemies may involve forgiveness, refusing to retaliate, speaking kindly, or praying for those who hurt us. It may also mean advocating for justice in a way that seeks restoration rather than revenge.