Go The Extra Mile

Going above and beyond whatever is required for the task at hand.



The origin takes place during the "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 5:41 where it states, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." Most interpret this to have meant that by carrying further (e.g.: an extra mile) he was doing more than what was being asked of him and thus, would be blessed for "Going The Extra Mile", teaching the listeners that by doing more than what one is asked, one is blessed or gains favour. Even though this is the origin, it is a common misinterpretation of the scripture. In context, Jesus was teaching to Jewish peasants whom were living in a time of great injustice to the Jewish people. The example in this verse of "going the extra mile" was in regards to the Roman Impressment Law. Under this law if a Roman Soldier passed you he could tell you to come carry his pack for up to one mile. By law you forced to go with him, however he could not force you to go further. By Jesus teaching to go another mile with him, it was a way of creatively exposing the injustice that was happening. Simply put, at the end of the mile when the soldier asks for his pack back, simply say, "it's ok, I'm good" and keep walking. Eventually this soldier would be pleading with you to get the pack back or else he may get in trouble. When he commanded you to carry his pack he was doing it as a superior; now he's pleading for back.



Ex: I would go the extra mile for you because I love you!



Spanish:  salir de su camino para ayudar



German: noch einen Schritt weiter gehen

