Matthew 5

Passage overview

Matthew 5 is the first section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and it is considered the most core part among the three chapters (chapters 5 through 7). It begins with the pronouncement of the Beatitudes (“Blessed are…”) (verses 1–12), then discusses a metaphor about the identity of the disciples (verses 13–16), and addresses the relationship between the Mosaic law and Jesus’ teaching (verses 17–20). It then goes on to cover specific ethical practices such as murder, adultery, oaths, retaliation, and loving one’s enemies (verses 21–48), emphasizing a truly meaningful life that goes one step beyond merely external compliance with traditional law—one that renews the heart and motives.

1verseSeeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

2verseHe opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

3verse“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4verseBlessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5verseBlessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

6verseBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7verseBlessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8verseBlessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9verseBlessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

10verseBlessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

11verse“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12verseRejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

13verse“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.

14verse“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.

15verseNeither 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.

16verseEven so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

17verse“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.

18verseFor 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.

19verseTherefore, 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.

20verseFor 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.

21verse“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.’

22verseBut 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.

23verse“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,

24verseleave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

25verseAgree 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.

26verseMost certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

27verse“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’

28versebut I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29verseIf 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.

30verseIf 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.

31verse“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’

32versebut 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.

33verse“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,’

34versebut I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;

35versenor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

36verseNeither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black.

37verseBut let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

38verse“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

39verseBut I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40verseIf anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.

41verseWhoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

42verseGive to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

43verse“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44verseBut 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,

45versethat 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.

46verseFor if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?

47verseIf you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?

48verseTherefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Beatitudes and the Identity of a Disciple

The opening of chapter 5 (verses 1–12) is called the Beatitudes and declares blessings of the Kingdom of God that differ from the world’s values. Here, “blessing” does not come from external conditions or circumstances, but from one’s posture of heart and one’s relationship with God. The following metaphor of salt and light (verses 13–16) emphasizes what role Jesus’ disciple should carry out in the world—that living with one’s very presence as a source of good influence for others is the point.

The Law and Jesus’ Teaching

In verses 17–20, Jesus states that he did not come to abolish the law, but rather to fulfill it. This requires seeking a deeper righteouness through inner motives and a changed heart, not only through compliance with external actions. Jesus also says that one cannot enter the Kingdom of God without a righteousness greater than that of the Pharisees or the scribes.

True Righteousness and Standards for a New Life

The content that is addressed in detail from verse 21 through verse 48 is that Jesus uses the old law as examples (“You have heard that it was said to the people of old… but I tell you…”) and asks for a true transformation that reaches the heart, rather than stopping at literal interpretations of the law. For example, it is not only about not committing murder, but also about regarding as sin the anger or hatred directed toward a brother. It also warns against not only external adultery, but even desire in the heart. When it comes to the themes of oaths, retaliation, and loving one’s enemies, he emphasizes practicing forgiveness and love beyond the world’s standards.

Meditation Points

  • Think about the difference between the blessings of the Kingdom of God and earthly blessings as presented by Jesus.
  • As you reflect, consider what Jesus values more: obedience to law in terms of actions, or purity of heart.
  • Check for yourself whether you are carrying out the role of salt and light around you.

Apply It to Yourself

  • Take time to check whether there is hatred and anger in your heart, and strive to put into practice a life of forgiveness and reconciliation.
  • Not only external religious life, but also in your motives and attitude, pursue truth before God.
  • Love your enemies, and examine your actions today so that you can practice love and goodness that are higher than the world’s standards.