Matthew 5

The fifth chapter of the Book of Matthew begins the famous Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus teaches His disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven and the attitudes, virtues, and conduct expected of its citizens. Jesus presents a radical redefinition of righteousness, contrasting it with external religiosity and legalism. This chapter includes the Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses various virtues, and further teachings on topics such as anger, lust, love for enemies, and the fulfillment of the Law.

Matthew 5:1-3 (NKJV)
1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.
2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus begins by drawing His disciples away from the crowd to teach them personally. The "poor in spirit" refers to those who recognize their spiritual neediness and dependency on God. This humility opens the door to receiving God's grace and promises, making them heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven. This blessing reverses worldly values by honoring dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency.

Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”

Jesus speaks to those who mourn over sin, suffering, or loss, promising divine comfort. Mourning here implies a sorrow that leads to repentance or compassion, aligning our hearts with God’s love and justice. This comfort is both present, through the Holy Spirit, and future, in God’s ultimate restoration of all things.

Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)
5 “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.”

Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, refers to gentleness and self-control. This beatitude assures that those who patiently and humbly submit to God will ultimately "inherit the earth"—a promise of both spiritual and physical restoration under God’s reign, contrasting worldly ideas of power and aggression.

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”

Those who deeply desire righteousness, both personally and in society, are assured fulfillment by God. This craving goes beyond basic needs, representing a sincere longing for God's justice and holiness. Such a heart orientation guarantees that God will satisfy their spiritual hunger with His presence and truth.

Matthew 5:7 (NKJV)
7 “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”

This beatitude highlights the reciprocal nature of mercy. Those who show compassion and forgiveness toward others reflect God's character and receive mercy from Him. Mercy here is not only forgiveness but also kindness and empathy toward others, which invites God's mercy into one’s life.

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.”

Purity of heart refers to an undivided focus on God and sincerity in motives. This promise emphasizes that those who genuinely seek God without hidden agendas will experience His presence both now and in eternity. This beatitude calls for inner transformation, beyond mere outward purity.

Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.”

Peacemakers work to restore harmony and resolve conflict, reflecting God's heart for reconciliation. As they embody God’s love and peace, they are acknowledged as His children. This role involves active effort in bringing God’s peace into relationships and communities, aligning with Jesus’ mission.

Matthew 5:10 (NKJV)
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus blesses those who endure persecution for standing with God's values. This encouragement assures believers that enduring opposition for faith strengthens their claim to the Kingdom. Such endurance shows commitment to God’s standards, even at a personal cost.

Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV)
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Jesus extends His blessing to those who face unjust criticism or persecution for following Him. This perspective invites rejoicing, knowing their reward is heavenly and that they join the legacy of prophets who also suffered for righteousness. Jesus encourages believers to see such trials as evidence of their faith and alignment with God’s mission.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

In this section, Jesus calls His followers to impact the world as salt and light. Salt preserves and adds flavor, symbolizing how believers bring goodness and prevent decay in society. Light dispels darkness, representing truth and guidance. Jesus emphasizes living visibly and purposefully so others can witness their good works and honor God.

Matthew 5:17 (NKJV)
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

Jesus addresses His relationship to the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically referencing "the Law and the Prophets." Here, He asserts, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." This statement underscores that Jesus' mission is not to discard or nullify the foundational Jewish texts—the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and the writings of the prophets (which include major and minor prophets). Instead, He came to complete and perfect their intended purposes. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies and brings to completion the moral, ceremonial, and prophetic aspects of these Scriptures, fulfilling the divine promises and prophecies they contain and thus establishing the ultimate expression of God’s will as foretold through the ages.

Matthew 5:18 (NKJV)
18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

When Jesus says, "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished," He is reinforcing the permanence and significance of God's Law. The phrase "until heaven and earth pass away" symbolizes the enduring nature of the universe, used here to emphasize that the Law will remain authoritative until its purposes are fully realized. The reference to "not an iota, not a dot" highlights that even the smallest details of the Law are important and must be fulfilled.

Jesus’ mission was to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, which He accomplished through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. This fulfillment is not just about adhering to the Law’s demands but about completing the moral and prophetic purposes it outlined, as He perfectly embodied its principles. His statement on the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30), signifies that He had completed the work necessary to fulfill the prophecies and requirements of the Old Covenant.

Furthermore, during the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the New Covenant, marking a pivotal moment in this fulfillment. By taking the cup and declaring, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20), He was setting forth a new way of relationship between God and humanity. This New Covenant, ratified by His blood, surpasses the Old Covenant's reliance on adherence to the Law by establishing a foundation of grace, forgiveness, and an internal transformation of the heart. It shifts the focus from external compliance to internal renewal, aligning believers directly with God’s will through the Holy Spirit.

Thus, in Matthew 5:18, Jesus is not only affirming His respect for the Law but also clarifying His role in both fulfilling the Old Covenant and ushering in a New Covenant that would achieve the complete and ultimate purpose of God’s redemptive plan, including the awaited fulfillment of prophecies regarding His second coming.

Matthew 5:19 (NKJV)
19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfully upholding and teaching the commandments as He reinterprets them in the Sermon on the Mount, stating, "Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." He deepens the traditional understanding of the Torah, linking external actions with internal attitudes. For example, in Matthew 5:21-22, He explains that harboring anger or speaking insultingly equates to the sin of murder, and in Matthew 5:27-28, He equates lustful looking with committing adultery, thus emphasizing that true obedience encompasses both actions and the motives behind them. This comprehensive approach illustrates that living out the full depth and intent of God's commandments involves a profound commitment to both external behaviors and internal moral integrity, marking those who embrace and teach these principles as great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 (NKJV)
20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness goes beyond mere external observance of the law, as practiced by the scribes and Pharisees, and requires a heartfelt commitment to God’s principles. Jesus challenges His followers to live with a deeper, more genuine righteousness rooted in love, faith, and obedience to God, surpassing the superficial legalism of the religious leaders of His time. Without this deeper righteousness, one cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:21-22 (NKJV)
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

Jesus deepens the understanding of the commandment against murder by addressing the heart and intent behind actions. He teaches that harboring anger, expressing contempt, or insulting others is as serious as the physical act of murder, as these attitudes break relationships and dishonor God’s standard of love. Jesus warns that such behavior leads to judgment, highlighting the importance of reconciling with others and striving for inner purity, not just outward compliance with the law.

Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)
23 “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Jesus underscores the priority of reconciliation in worship. He teaches that if someone remembers a conflict or grievance with another person while offering a gift at the altar, they should first reconcile with that person before continuing with their offering. This emphasizes that restoring broken relationships is crucial to worshiping God, as love and unity among people reflect true obedience to His will.

Matthew 5:25-26 (NKJV)
25 “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.”

Jesus advises resolving conflicts quickly to avoid escalating consequences. He uses the example of settling disputes with an adversary before reaching court, warning that failure to reconcile could lead to judgment, imprisonment, and full repayment of the debt. This highlights the urgency of seeking peace and resolving issues promptly, emphasizing the spiritual principle of accountability and the importance of living in harmony with others.

Matthew 5:27-28 (NKJV)
27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Jesus expands on the commandment against adultery, teaching that it is not just the physical act but also the lustful intent that violates God’s standard. He explains that looking at someone with lustful intent is equivalent to committing adultery in the heart. This emphasizes the importance of purity in thoughts and desires, calling believers to uphold holiness not only in actions but also in their innermost attitudes.

Matthew 5:29-30 (NKJV)
29 “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

Jesus uses strong, hyperbolic language to stress the seriousness of avoiding sin and its eternal consequences. He warns that if something—whether an eye or a hand—leads a person to sin, it is better to remove it than to allow it to lead to eternal destruction. The term "hell" here refers to Gehenna, a valley near Jerusalem associated with judgment and destruction, symbolizing the final, eternal separation from God for the wicked. Jesus is not advocating literal self-harm, but rather urging His followers to take decisive, radical action against anything that causes them to sin, highlighting the eternal consequences of unchecked sin and the need for spiritual purity.

Matthew 5:31-32 (NKJV)
31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’
32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”

Jesus addresses the issue of divorce, emphasizing the higher standard of righteousness required for His followers. While the Mosaic Law permitted divorce with the giving of a certificate, Jesus teaches that divorce should only occur in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32). He uplifts the law by not only focusing on the legal aspect of divorce but also addressing the deeper moral intention behind it. Jesus calls His followers to recognize that marriage is a sacred, lifelong commitment, reflecting God's original design, and He challenges them to uphold the sanctity of marriage with faithfulness and integrity. In doing so, He fulfills the law by bringing its true meaning to light, showing that righteousness goes beyond mere legalism to the attitudes of the heart. Divorce, except for sexual immorality, now becomes a sin because it violates the covenant of marriage, and remarriage in such cases is considered adultery. Jesus thus redefines the understanding of marriage and divorce, calling His followers to a deeper commitment to God's will.

Matthew 5:33-37 (NKJV)
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’
34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne;
35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.
37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Jesus instructs His followers to be people of integrity, discouraging unnecessary oaths. Instead of swearing by anything, He urges simple, honest communication—“Yes” or “No”—without exaggeration. This teaching promotes authenticity, avoiding deceit and emphasizing that integrity should not require external guarantees.

Matthew 5:38-42 (NKJV)
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”

Jesus redefines the principle of "an eye for an eye" from the Old Testament, which was meant to limit retaliation to a fair and proportional response. He calls His followers to a higher standard of non-retaliation and radical generosity. Instead of seeking revenge, they are to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and give freely to those in need. This teaching challenges believers to respond to injustice with grace and love, reflecting God’s mercy, and to prioritize peace and kindness over personal rights or vengeance.

Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Jesus challenges the prevailing interpretation of the law, where some had understood the command to "love your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:18) but mistakenly added the idea of "hating your enemy" as a logical extension. While the law commanded love for one's neighbor, it did not instruct hatred toward enemies. Jesus corrects this by teaching that His followers are to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who persecute them. This teaching goes beyond the legalistic understanding of love, calling for an attitude of unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion, even toward those who oppose or harm them. Jesus' command reflects the nature of God's love, which is not limited to those who love us but extends even to those who seek to do us harm, thus embodying the divine love that transcends human boundaries and expectations.

Matthew 5:45-48 (NKJV)
45 “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Jesus emphasizes that God’s love is impartial, extending equally to both the righteous and the unrighteous, as seen in the way He provides for both the good and the evil through the rising sun and the rain. Jesus teaches that simply loving those who love us or greeting only those we are familiar with is not remarkable; even tax collectors, who were despised in Jewish society, do the same. He challenges His followers to go beyond this superficial love and to reflect God's perfect, selfless love that reaches out to all people, including enemies and those who oppose us. When Jesus says, "You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect," He is not referring to flawless behavior but to a mature, wholehearted commitment to embodying God’s character—demonstrating unconditional love, mercy, and grace. This perfection is about striving to imitate God's compassionate, inclusive love in all aspects of life, showing kindness and forgiveness to everyone, regardless of how they treat us.