Command or Promise

Someone sent me an e-mail today talking about the "command" of Jesus to "Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)

Being a bit of a Greek Geek, I decided to read it in the original language to understand this verse a little better. There were two observations that I thought were valuable enough to pass along.

1. The word PERFECT does not mean, without any flaw. That is our general understanding of the word in English. But the Greek word we translate "perfect" is teleois. That is the root from which we get telescope. All over the New Testament, the word is translated end or completion. So, when PERFECT is talked about, it is speaking about being COMPLETE in the sight of God.

2. The second insight was more suprising. I read several translations, and almost every one (except the more literal translations - YTL & ASV) made "be perfect" an imperative verb. What is funny is that the Greek word is in the PERFECT tense. So, the proper translation should be "you WILL BE complete, even as your Heavenly Father is complete." The tense of the verb is not an action WE are called to do, but more of a PROMISE of what will happen.

So, instead of reading this verse as a command that we have to do in our own strength, it becomes a promise that if we live by the principles that Jesus is teaching, we will be made complete and totally like our Heavenly Father.

I hope you read this verse in a new light from now on!