Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 5:40

"And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also." — Matthew 5:40 (ASV)

If any man will sue you at the law — The Greek is somewhat stronger: If a man wants to go—that is, is determined to go—to law with you. The verse presents another aspect of the same disposition of forbearance. Not only in regard to acts of violence, but also in dealing with the petty litigation that disturbs so many people’s peace, it is better to yield than to insist on your rights.

St. Paul gives the same counsel to the believers at Corinth: “Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” (1 Corinthians 6:7). Here also, of course, the precept, which is absolutely binding as far as self-interest is concerned, may be overridden by higher considerations.

Coat — The close-fitting tunic worn next to the body.

Cloak — The outer, flowing mantle, the more costly garment of the two. (Compare John 19:23, and the combination of the two words in Acts 9:39, “coats and garments.”) The meaning of the illustration is obvious. It is wiser to surrender more than is demanded than to disturb the calm of our own spirit by wrangling and debate.