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Matthew 5

World English Bible

WEB

1Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 10Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 11“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 14“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 17“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 21“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. 23“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny. 27“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ 28but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 31“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’ 32but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. 33“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’ 34but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black. 37But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one. 38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you. 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 48Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Matthew Chapter 5 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, as it begins the famous Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the nature of true righteousness and the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. The chapter opens with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings pronounced on those who embody qualities such as humility, mercy, and purity of heart. Each blessing highlights the paradox of God's kingdom, where the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek are promised comfort and inheritance (#Beatitudes). This section emphasizes that true happiness and fulfillment come from a relationship with God rather than worldly success or power.

Jesus then calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, urging them to live in a way that reflects God's glory and truth. He emphasizes that their good works should shine before others, leading them to glorify the Father in heaven (#SaltAndLight). Furthermore, Jesus clarifies His relationship to the Law, stating that He has not come to abolish it but to fulfill it, reinforcing the importance of adhering to God's commandments. He challenges His listeners to pursue a deeper righteousness that exceeds mere external compliance, addressing issues such as anger, lust, and the importance of reconciliation. This chapter sets the foundation for understanding the radical nature of Jesus' teachings and the transformative impact of living according to God's will.

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Referenced by

  1. Exodus 20:13v21Exodus 20:13 prohibits murder, which Jesus expands upon in Matthew 5:21-22, teaching that even anger towards others is subject to judgment.
  2. Exodus 20:14v27Exodus 20:14 forbids adultery, which Jesus deepens in Matthew 5:27-28 by addressing lustful thoughts as equivalent to the act itself.
  3. Exodus 21:23-25v38Exodus 21:23-25 introduces the principle of 'an eye for an eye,' a form of justice known as lex talionis. In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus refers to this law and teaches a new way of responding to evil, emphasizing forgiveness and turning the other cheek.
  4. Leviticus 2:13v13Leviticus 2:13 commands the use of salt in offerings, symbolizing covenant faithfulness, which Jesus refers to in Matthew 5:13, calling believers the 'salt of the earth.'
  5. Leviticus 19:12v33Leviticus 19:12 warns against swearing falsely by God's name. Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:33-37, teaching that one's word should be truthful without the need for oaths.
  6. Numbers 30:12v33Numbers 30:12 discusses the nullification of vows, which is echoed in Matthew 5:33-37 where Jesus teaches about the importance of truthfulness and the avoidance of unnecessary oaths.
  7. Deuteronomy 5:17v21Deuteronomy 5:17 prohibits murder, which Jesus expands upon in Matthew 5:21-22, teaching that even anger towards others is subject to judgment, deepening the understanding of righteousness.
  8. Deuteronomy 19:21v38Deuteronomy 19:21 prescribes the law of retaliation, 'eye for eye, tooth for tooth,' which Jesus addresses in Matthew 5:38-39, teaching a higher standard of not resisting an evil person and turning the other cheek.
  9. Deuteronomy 20:10v9Deuteronomy 20:10 instructs offering peace to a city before attacking it. This reflects the value of peace, which is also emphasized in Matthew 5:9, where Jesus blesses the peacemakers.
  10. Deuteronomy 23:23v33Deuteronomy 23:23 instructs to keep one's word, which is expanded by Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37, teaching about the integrity of speech and the importance of truthfulness.
  11. 1 Samuel 26:23v7David declares that the Lord rewards righteousness and faithfulness in 1 Samuel 26:23. This is paralleled in Matthew 5:7, where Jesus teaches that the merciful will receive mercy.
  12. 2 Samuel 11:2v282 Samuel 11:2 describes David seeing Bathsheba and desiring her, which leads to sin. Matthew 5:28 speaks about the sin of lust, emphasizing that even looking with lustful intent is akin to committing adultery in the heart.
  13. Job 31:1v28Job 31:1 speaks of making a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a woman, which aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:28 about looking at a woman lustfully being akin to committing adultery in the heart.
  14. Psalms 11:7v8Psalm 11:7 states that the upright will see God's face, which aligns with Matthew 5:8 where Jesus says the pure in heart will see God.
  15. Psalms 18:25-26v7Psalm 18:25-26 speaks of God showing mercy to the merciful, a principle echoed in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:7.
  16. Psalms 24:3-4v8Psalm 24:3-4 describes the purity required to stand in God's holy place, which aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:8 that the pure in heart will see God.
  17. Psalms 35:13v44Psalm 35:13 describes the psalmist praying and fasting for their enemies, which aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to love and pray for one's enemies.
  18. Psalms 37:11v5Psalm 37:11 speaks of the meek inheriting the land, which is echoed in Jesus' Beatitudes in Matthew 5:5, where He states that the meek will inherit the earth.
  19. Psalms 40:17v3Psalm 40:17 acknowledges the psalmist's poverty and need for God, resonating with the Beatitude in Matthew 5:3 about the blessedness of the poor in spirit.
  20. Psalms 42:1v6Psalm 42:1 expresses a deep longing for God, similar to the beatitude in Matthew 5:6, which blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising they will be filled.
  21. Psalms 63:1v6Psalm 63:1 expresses a deep thirst for God, which is echoed in Matthew 5:6 where Jesus blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising they will be filled.
  22. Psalms 109:4v44Psalm 109:4 speaks of returning love for hatred, which is echoed in Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 where He instructs to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
  23. Psalms 120:6-7v9Psalm 120:6-7 speaks of the psalmist's desire for peace amidst conflict, which aligns with Jesus' blessing on peacemakers in Matthew 5:9.
  24. Proverbs 4:18v14Proverbs 4:18 describes the path of the righteous as a shining light growing brighter. Matthew 5:14-16 calls believers the light of the world, encouraging them to let their light shine before others.
  25. Proverbs 11:17v7Proverbs 11:17 highlights the benefits of kindness, which is a principle echoed in Matthew 5:7, where Jesus teaches that the merciful will receive mercy.
  26. Proverbs 20:3v9Proverbs 20:3 emphasizes the honor in avoiding strife, which aligns with Matthew 5:9 where Jesus blesses peacemakers, showing the value of peace and reconciliation in the kingdom of God.
  27. Proverbs 21:21v6Proverbs 21:21 states that whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor, which aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:6 about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness being blessed and filled.
  28. Proverbs 24:17-18v44Proverbs 24:17-18 advises against rejoicing at an enemy's downfall, aligning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to love and pray for one's enemies.
  29. Isaiah 61:3v4Isaiah 61:3 speaks of comforting those who mourn and giving them a 'garment of praise.' This is echoed in Matthew 5:4, where Jesus blesses those who mourn, promising they will be comforted, highlighting the theme of divine comfort and transformation.
  30. Jonah 4:10-11v44In Jonah 4:10-11, God expresses concern for the people of Nineveh, highlighting His compassion for all, which aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44-45 about loving enemies and God's impartial love.
  31. Zephaniah 2:3v5Zephaniah 2:3 calls for seeking the Lord and humility, which aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:5 about the meek inheriting the earth.
  32. Malachi 2:16v31Malachi 2:16 declares God's hatred for divorce, underscoring the importance of marital faithfulness. Matthew 5:31-32 reflects Jesus' teaching on the seriousness of divorce and the call to uphold the marriage covenant.
  33. Mark 9:50v13Mark 9:50 speaks about salt and its qualities, paralleling Matthew 5:13 where Jesus calls His followers the salt of the earth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's distinctiveness and influence.
  34. Luke 6:20v3Luke 6:20 begins the Beatitudes with 'Blessed are you who are poor,' paralleling Matthew 5:3's 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,' both emphasizing the blessedness of those who recognize their need for God.
  35. Luke 6:27v44Luke 6:27 commands to 'love your enemies,' which is echoed in Matthew 5:44, teaching the radical love and forgiveness that characterizes the followers of Christ.
  36. Luke 14:34-35v13Luke 14:34-35 and Matthew 5:13 both discuss the metaphor of salt losing its flavor, illustrating the importance of maintaining one's distinctiveness and effectiveness as a disciple of Christ.
  37. Acts 5:41v11Acts 5:41 describes the apostles rejoicing for being counted worthy to suffer for Jesus' name, reflecting Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:11-12, where He blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake and encourages them to rejoice.
  38. Romans 10:4v17Romans 10:4 states that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes, which aligns with Matthew 5:17 where Jesus declares He came to fulfill the law.
  39. Romans 12:14v44Romans 12:14 instructs believers to bless those who persecute them, which reflects Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to love enemies and pray for those who persecute.
  40. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11v31Paul reiterates Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce, emphasizing that a wife should not separate from her husband, reflecting Jesus' words in Matthew 5:31-32 about the sanctity of marriage.
  41. 2 Corinthians 7:10v42 Corinthians 7:10 contrasts godly sorrow with worldly sorrow, paralleling Matthew 5:4 where those who mourn are blessed and comforted.
  42. Philippians 2:15v14Philippians 2:15 calls believers to shine as lights in the world. Matthew 5:14-16 also describes believers as the light of the world, encouraging them to let their light shine before others.
  43. Hebrews 12:14v8Hebrews 12:14 urges believers to pursue peace and holiness, echoing Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:8-9 about the blessedness of the pure in heart and peacemakers.
  44. James 1:12v10James 1:12 speaks of the blessedness of enduring trials, similar to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:10-12, which bless those who are persecuted for righteousness.
  45. 1 Peter 2:12v161 Peter 2:12 encourages believers to live honorably among Gentiles, so their good deeds glorify God, paralleling Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:16 about letting light shine before others.

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