Matthew 5:21 - “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ Exodus 20:13 and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 5:21" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:21, is the beginning of Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" where he begins to interpret and expand upon the traditional understanding of the Law of Moses. It's a crucial verse for understanding Jesus's new teaching. Let's break it down:
"You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones..." This refers to the traditional understanding of the law as it was taught in Jesus's time. He is acknowledging the existing interpretations of the Old Testament. "The ancient ones" refers to the people to whom God originally gave the law and the generations that followed who interpreted and applied it.
"‘You shall not murder;’ Exodus 20:13" This is a direct quote from the Ten Commandments, a core principle of Jewish law. It establishes the basic prohibition against taking another person's life.
"and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’" This emphasizes the consequences of violating the commandment. The "judgment" likely refers to earthly legal consequences (courts) and possibly also divine judgment. Under the Mosaic law, murder was a capital crime, punishable by death.
The Significance of the Verse:
This verse sets the stage for Jesus to do more than just reiterate the literal meaning of the commandment against murder. He uses this as a springboard to introduce a deeper understanding of the law, focusing on the inner attitudes and emotions that can lead to violence. Jesus isn't denying the validity of the commandment against murder. Rather, he's suggesting that merely refraining from the physical act isn't enough. He is about to challenge his audience to consider the root of violence: anger, hatred, and contempt for others.
In the verses that follow, Jesus goes on to say that even being angry with someone, insulting them, or calling them names makes a person liable to judgment. He is raising the bar, emphasizing that true righteousness involves not only outward actions but also inward thoughts and feelings.
In short, Matthew 5:21 highlights:
The established understanding of the law against murder.
Jesus's intention to offer a more profound interpretation of the law.
The importance of both outward actions and inward attitudes in achieving true righteousness.
Matthew 5:21 - “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ Exodus 20:13 and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
What does "Matthew 5:21" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:21, is the beginning of Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" where he begins to interpret and expand upon the traditional understanding of the Law of Moses. It's a crucial verse for understanding Jesus's new teaching. Let's break it down:
"You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones..." This refers to the traditional understanding of the law as it was taught in Jesus's time. He is acknowledging the existing interpretations of the Old Testament. "The ancient ones" refers to the people to whom God originally gave the law and the generations that followed who interpreted and applied it.
"‘You shall not murder;’ Exodus 20:13" This is a direct quote from the Ten Commandments, a core principle of Jewish law. It establishes the basic prohibition against taking another person's life.
"and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’" This emphasizes the consequences of violating the commandment. The "judgment" likely refers to earthly legal consequences (courts) and possibly also divine judgment. Under the Mosaic law, murder was a capital crime, punishable by death.
The Significance of the Verse:
This verse sets the stage for Jesus to do more than just reiterate the literal meaning of the commandment against murder. He uses this as a springboard to introduce a deeper understanding of the law, focusing on the inner attitudes and emotions that can lead to violence. Jesus isn't denying the validity of the commandment against murder. Rather, he's suggesting that merely refraining from the physical act isn't enough. He is about to challenge his audience to consider the root of violence: anger, hatred, and contempt for others.
In the verses that follow, Jesus goes on to say that even being angry with someone, insulting them, or calling them names makes a person liable to judgment. He is raising the bar, emphasizing that true righteousness involves not only outward actions but also inward thoughts and feelings.
In short, Matthew 5:21 highlights:
The established understanding of the law against murder.
Jesus's intention to offer a more profound interpretation of the law.
The importance of both outward actions and inward attitudes in achieving true righteousness.