The phrase “be ye perfect” comes from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
(Matthew 5:48)
This command does not imply sinless perfection or flawlessness. The Greek word used here is “teleios,” which means complete, mature, or whole. Jesus is calling His followers to be spiritually mature and fully committed to God, especially in the context of love and mercy.
In the verses leading up to Matthew 5:48, Jesus teaches about loving enemies, blessing those who curse, and doing good to those who hate. This kind of love reflects the character of God, who is perfect in mercy and justice.
Luke 6:36 offers a parallel:
“Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”
The call to perfection is a call to wholeheartedness, not moral flawlessness. It means growing in godliness, striving to reflect God’s holiness, and not settling for hypocrisy or partial obedience.
Philippians 3:12–14 reflects Paul’s mindset:
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on… I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul acknowledges he has not reached perfection, yet he pursues it diligently. That’s the life of a true disciple: pressing forward, growing in faith, and conforming more and more to the image of Christ.
God’s standard is high because He is holy. But He also provides grace, instruction, and the Holy Spirit to help believers grow toward that maturity.