Matthew 5:27 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ Exodus 20:14
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What does "Matthew 5:27" mean?
This verse is the beginning of a section in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:27-30) where Jesus is interpreting and expanding on the Law of Moses. He's not discarding the Law, but revealing its deeper meaning and application.
Here's a breakdown:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ Exodus 20:14": Jesus is quoting one of the Ten Commandments, a foundational moral law in Judaism. The literal meaning is straightforward: Don't have sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse.
What Jesus Does Next (the important part)
The crucial thing is what Jesus does with this commandment next. He doesn't say the commandment is wrong, but he goes further:
Matthew 5:28: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Meaning and Significance
Internal Morality: Jesus emphasizes that morality is not just about outward actions, but also about inward thoughts and desires. He raises the standard. It's not enough to simply avoid the act of adultery; you must also control your thoughts and desires.
The Heart of the Law: Jesus is showing that the Law is about more than just obeying rules. It's about cultivating a pure heart. Lust, in Jesus' view, is the root of adultery, and addressing the root is crucial.
Radical Self-Discipline: The verses that follow (Matthew 5:29-30) about plucking out your eye and cutting off your hand are hyperbole. They are intended to show the seriousness of sin and the need for radical self-discipline to avoid temptation. Jesus is urging people to take extreme measures to combat lustful thoughts. He isn't literally advocating self-mutilation, but he is saying that dealing with the problem is worth a very high price.
Fulfillment, Not Abolishment: Jesus's teaching here shows he is fulfilling the law, not abolishing it (Matthew 5:17). He's taking the principle behind the law and applying it at a deeper, more personal level.
In Summary
Jesus uses the commandment against adultery as a starting point to teach about the importance of inner purity, the seriousness of lustful thoughts, and the need for radical self-discipline in matters of morality. He's saying that true righteousness goes beyond outward compliance to encompass the thoughts and desires of the heart.
Matthew 5:27 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ Exodus 20:14
What does "Matthew 5:27" mean?
This verse is the beginning of a section in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:27-30) where Jesus is interpreting and expanding on the Law of Moses. He's not discarding the Law, but revealing its deeper meaning and application.
Here's a breakdown:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ Exodus 20:14": Jesus is quoting one of the Ten Commandments, a foundational moral law in Judaism. The literal meaning is straightforward: Don't have sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse.
What Jesus Does Next (the important part)
The crucial thing is what Jesus does with this commandment next. He doesn't say the commandment is wrong, but he goes further:
Matthew 5:28: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Meaning and Significance
Internal Morality: Jesus emphasizes that morality is not just about outward actions, but also about inward thoughts and desires. He raises the standard. It's not enough to simply avoid the act of adultery; you must also control your thoughts and desires.
The Heart of the Law: Jesus is showing that the Law is about more than just obeying rules. It's about cultivating a pure heart. Lust, in Jesus' view, is the root of adultery, and addressing the root is crucial.
Radical Self-Discipline: The verses that follow (Matthew 5:29-30) about plucking out your eye and cutting off your hand are hyperbole. They are intended to show the seriousness of sin and the need for radical self-discipline to avoid temptation. Jesus is urging people to take extreme measures to combat lustful thoughts. He isn't literally advocating self-mutilation, but he is saying that dealing with the problem is worth a very high price.
Fulfillment, Not Abolishment: Jesus's teaching here shows he is fulfilling the law, not abolishing it (Matthew 5:17). He's taking the principle behind the law and applying it at a deeper, more personal level.
In Summary
Jesus uses the commandment against adultery as a starting point to teach about the importance of inner purity, the seriousness of lustful thoughts, and the need for radical self-discipline in matters of morality. He's saying that true righteousness goes beyond outward compliance to encompass the thoughts and desires of the heart.