Matthew 5:21

KJV

¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye have heard {G191} that {G3754} it was said {G4483} by them of old time {G744}, Thou shalt {G5407} not {G3756} kill {G5407}; and {G1161} whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall kill {G5407} shall be {G2071} in danger {G1777} of the judgment {G2920}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"You have heard that our fathers were told, `Do not murder,'l and that anyone who commits murder will be subject to judgment.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:21 introduces the first of Jesus' six "antitheses" in the Sermon on the Mount, where He confronts and reinterprets traditional understandings of the Mosaic Law. Here, Jesus begins with the Sixth Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," as it was commonly understood and enforced by the legal system of His day. He sets the stage for a radical expansion of the Law's demands, moving beyond mere external compliance to address the internal attitudes and heart conditions that precede and fuel sinful actions, specifically anger and hatred.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 5:21 serves as the opening statement in a series of six "antitheses" (Matthew 5:21-48) within Jesus' seminal [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5"). Following His declaration that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")), Jesus proceeds to demonstrate this fulfillment by deepening the understanding of key Mosaic commandments. Each antithesis follows a pattern: "You have heard that it was said..." (referring to traditional interpretations) "But I say to you..." (Jesus' authoritative reinterpretation). This particular verse lays the groundwork by quoting the widely known prohibition against murder, preparing the audience for Jesus' subsequent, more profound teaching on the internal roots of violence in [Matthew 5:22](/matthew/5-22 "Jesus' teaching on anger").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "them of old time" (or "those of ancient times") refers primarily to the traditional interpretations and oral teachings of the Jewish scribes and Pharisees, which often focused on the external observance of the Mosaic Law. While the written Law prohibited murder, the prevailing legalistic culture tended to emphasize the outward act and its corresponding judicial punishment, rather than the underlying heart condition. The "judgment" mentioned in the verse refers to the local Jewish courts (the Sanhedrin or lesser tribunals) that would adjudicate cases of murder, potentially leading to capital punishment or other severe penalties according to the Law of Moses ([Numbers 35:16-21](/numbers/35-16-21 "Laws Concerning Murder and Asylum Cities")). Jesus' audience would have been intimately familiar with these legal frameworks and the societal understanding of the Sixth Commandment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the Sermon on the Mount and indeed, Jesus' entire ministry. First, it highlights the **sanctity of human life**, a foundational principle rooted in humanity being created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image")). Second, it immediately sets up the contrast between **external obedience and internal righteousness**, signaling Jesus' emphasis on the heart as the true locus of moral and spiritual purity. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, whose righteousness Jesus declares must be surpassed ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Exceeding the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees")), Jesus demonstrates that God's Law demands not just the absence of outward transgression but the presence of inward transformation. This theme of **fulfillment of the Law** is central, as Jesus reveals the full, spiritual scope of God's commands, extending them beyond mere physical acts to encompass thoughts, intentions, and attitudes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This verb (G191) signifies not merely the physical act of perceiving sound, but also understanding, giving audience to, or being informed. In this context, "Ye have heard" implies that the audience was well-acquainted with the traditional teaching of the Law, likely through synagogue readings and rabbinic instruction. It sets up the common understanding that Jesus is about to challenge or deepen.
* **old time (Greek, _archaîos'_):** This adjective (G744) denotes something original, primeval, or ancient. Here, it refers to the teachings and interpretations passed down through generations, often attributed to revered figures or established traditions. It underscores the antiquity and perceived authority of the understanding Jesus is addressing, contrasting it with His new, authoritative interpretation.
* **kill (Greek, _phoneúō'_):** This verb (G5407) specifically means "to be a murderer" or "to do murder," referring to unlawful, premeditated homicide. It aligns with the Hebrew _ratsach_ (רָצַח) in the Old Testament's Sixth Commandment ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "The Sixth Commandment")). Jesus uses this precise term to directly quote the commandment, establishing the baseline understanding before expanding its scope to include the internal disposition.
* **in danger (Greek, _énochos'_):** This adjective (G1777) means "liable to," "guilty of," or "subject to" a condition, penalty, or imputation. In this verse, it indicates legal culpability and the consequence of facing judgment for the act of murder. It highlights the serious legal ramifications understood by the audience under the Mosaic Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,"**: This opening phrase establishes the common ground of understanding. Jesus appeals to the audience's familiarity with the traditional teaching and interpretation of the Law, likely as expounded by the scribes and Pharisees. It sets the stage for Jesus' authoritative "But I say to you," which will follow in the subsequent verse, signaling a reinterpretation or deeper revelation of God's will.
* **"Thou shalt not kill;"**: This is a direct quotation of the Sixth Commandment from the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "The Sixth Commandment in Exodus 20") and [Deuteronomy 5:17](/deuteronomy/5-17 "The Sixth Commandment in Deuteronomy 5")). It prohibits the unlawful taking of human life, specifically murder. This commandment was a cornerstone of Israelite law and morality, emphasizing the sacredness of human life as created in the image of God.
* **"and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:"**: This clause describes the legal consequence for violating the Sixth Commandment under the Mosaic Law. "The judgment" refers to the judicial process and the local courts (Sanhedrin or lesser tribunals) that would try cases of murder. A person found guilty of murder would be subject to severe penalties, including capital punishment, reflecting the gravity of the offense against both humanity and God. This part of the verse underscores the external, legalistic understanding of the commandment prevalent in Jesus' time.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:21 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which serves as the overarching structural framework for this section of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus presents a commonly accepted teaching ("Ye have heard that it was said...") and then contrasts it with His own, deeper authoritative interpretation ("But I say to you..."). Although the "But I say to you" part is in the next verse, this verse establishes the first half of the antithetical structure. There is also clear **Quotation** and **Allusion** to the Old Testament Law, specifically the Sixth Commandment, grounding Jesus' teaching in the established divine revelation. By quoting the commandment directly, Jesus affirms its validity while simultaneously preparing to expand its meaning. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as it sets the stage for Jesus' radical reinterpretation of the Law, hinting at the profound shift from external legalism to internal righteousness that will be fully unveiled in [Matthew 5:22](/matthew/5-22 "Jesus' teaching on anger and reconciliation").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:21 is profoundly significant because it marks the beginning of Jesus' re-calibration of righteousness, moving it from mere external compliance to an internal transformation of the heart. Theologically, it underscores that God's Law is not merely a set of rules governing outward behavior, but a reflection of His holy character, demanding purity of thought and intention. The prohibition against murder, while vital for societal order, is revealed by Jesus to be only the tip of the iceberg; the deeper sin lies in the anger, hatred, and contempt that breed violence in the heart. This passage thus elevates the standard of righteousness, demonstrating that true obedience to God involves a radical change of one's inner disposition, aligning with the very heart of God who values human life and desires reconciliation over animosity. It challenges the superficiality of legalism, calling believers to a righteousness that flows from a renewed spirit.

* [Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "The Sixth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 5:17](/deuteronomy/5-17 "The Sixth Commandment reiterated")
* [1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "Hatred as Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:21, though seemingly a simple restatement of a well-known commandment, serves as a powerful call to radical self-examination and spiritual depth. For believers today, it challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of sin and righteousness. It's not enough to simply refrain from physical violence; we are called to address the root causes of anger, resentment, and contempt within our hearts. This means actively confronting our own tendencies toward bitterness, unforgiveness, and devaluing others, recognizing that these internal states, if left unchecked, are the fertile ground from which destructive actions can spring. The verse compels us to cultivate a heart of love, respect, and reconciliation towards all people, acknowledging that every individual bears the image of God. It reminds us that true righteousness is a matter of the heart, leading to a life that honors God not just in deed, but in thought and intention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to focus on outward actions rather than inward attitudes?**
* **What hidden anger or resentment might I be harboring that needs to be brought before God?**
* **How does Jesus' emphasis on the heart challenge my understanding of what it means to truly obey God's commands?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more loving and forgiving heart towards those who irritate or offend me?**

### FAQ
**What does "them of old time" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Them of old time" (Greek: _archaîos_) refers to the traditional interpretations and teachings of the Mosaic Law that were prevalent in Jesus' day, often expounded by the Jewish scribes and Pharisees. It doesn't necessarily mean the original written Law itself, but rather the way it had been understood, applied, and passed down through generations, frequently with an emphasis on external adherence rather than the deeper spiritual intent. Jesus is contrasting these established, often legalistic, interpretations with His own authoritative and more profound understanding of God's will.

**How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:21-22 differ from the Old Testament Law regarding murder?**

Answer: The Old Testament Law, specifically the Sixth Commandment ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "The Sixth Commandment")), strictly prohibited murder, defining it as the unlawful taking of a human life, and prescribed severe penalties for violators. Jesus does not abolish this commandment but fulfills it by revealing its deeper, spiritual meaning. While the Old Testament focused on the *act* of murder and its external consequences, Jesus expands the scope to include the *internal disposition* that leads to such acts. In [Matthew 5:22](/matthew/5-22 "Jesus on Anger"), He teaches that even anger, contempt, and insults against a brother or sister are tantamount to murder in God's eyes, making one liable to divine judgment. Thus, Jesus elevates the standard from merely refraining from the physical act to purifying the heart from the very roots of hatred and violence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:21, though presenting a foundational legal principle, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a new interpreter of the Law, but its perfect embodiment and the means by which its profound demands can be met. Jesus Himself lived a life utterly free from internal hatred or external violence, perfectly fulfilling the spirit of the Sixth Commandment and all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). His teaching here foreshadows His own sacrificial death, where He, the innocent Lamb of God, was "killed" by human sin and hatred, yet offered Himself as the ultimate atonement for the very anger and hostility He condemns ([Isaiah 53:5-7](/isaiah/53-5-7 "Suffering Servant Prophecy")). Furthermore, Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection provide the power for believers to move beyond mere external obedience to the Law. Through union with Him, the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts, enabling us to put off the old self, which is prone to anger and malice, and put on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Putting on the New Self")). Thus, Jesus not only perfectly models the righteousness He calls for but also empowers His followers to live lives characterized by love and reconciliation, fulfilling the Law's true intent through His redemptive work ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "The Law Fulfilled in Us Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 5:17

Thou shalt not kill.

Exodus 20:13

Thou shalt not kill.

Numbers 35:30

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.

Numbers 35:34

Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.

Exodus 21:12

¶ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

Exodus 21:14

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

Matthew 5:38

¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: