Matthew 5:21

Matthew 5:21, in plain English

You've been taught not to murder. That's the law, and everyone agrees. But Jesus is about to go much deeper than the act itself.

Why it's here

Everyone in the crowd knew the commandment against murder. It seemed like a low bar. Jesus is about to raise it dramatically.

Who's speaking

Jesus begins the first of His 'You have heard... but I say' teachings.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus doesn't contradict the old law. He digs beneath the surface to the heart attitudes that lead to breaking it.

The scholarly reading

Jesus introduces the first of six 'antitheses' (erethee... ego de lego, 'You have heard... but I say'), each intensifying the Torah's commands. He cites the sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13) and its associated penalty clause.

Language and setting

The formula 'You have heard' refers to synagogue teaching, not the written Torah alone. 'But I say' (ego de lego) claims an authority that exceeds Moses, placing Jesus in the position of divine lawgiver.

Voice

Jesus, introducing the first antithesis.

Significance

Jesus begins demonstrating what 'surpassing righteousness' (v.20) looks like: not just external obedience but transformation of the inner life.

19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

21You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Read all of Matthew 5 — Jesus turns the world's values upside down. The blessed aren't the powerful — they're the poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek.