Matthew 5:21

Context of Matthew 5:21

Matthew 5:21 is the first of several "antitheses" in Jesus' renowned Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). In this section, Jesus takes traditional interpretations of the Mosaic Law and deepens their meaning, revealing the spiritual intent behind the letter of the law. He is not abolishing the Law but fulfilling it and showing its true, expansive scope (Matthew 5:17). The phrase "them of old time" refers to the traditional teachings and interpretations of the Jewish scribes and Pharisees, which often focused on external obedience rather than internal disposition.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Sixth Commandment: The core of this verse is the quotation of the Sixth Commandment: "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17). This commandment prohibits murder, emphasizing the sacredness of human life. The phrase "whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment" refers to the legal consequences and judicial process in ancient Israel for those found guilty of murder.
• Beyond External Action: This verse sets the stage for Jesus' radical reinterpretation. While the traditional understanding focused on the physical act of killing, Jesus immediately shifts the focus to the internal state of the heart in the subsequent verses (Matthew 5:22). He implies that the spirit of the law extends beyond outward actions to inward attitudes.
• The Nature of Righteousness: Jesus teaches that true righteousness, which exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, involves not just refraining from murder but also eradicating the anger and hatred that lead to it. This highlights that God judges not only deeds but also the intentions and emotions of the heart.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "kill" in the Sixth Commandment is ratsach (רָצַח), which specifically denotes premeditated or unlawful killing, i.e., murder, rather than all forms of taking life (such as in war, self-defense, or judicial execution). Jesus' teaching here aligns with this deeper meaning, focusing on the malicious intent behind the act. By setting the stage with the widely understood prohibition against murder, Jesus prepares His audience for His profound expansion of the commandment to include internal attitudes like anger and contempt.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:21 serves as a foundational statement for Jesus' teaching on the sanctity of life and the importance of a pure heart. For believers today, it challenges us to:

• Examine Our Hearts: Not merely to avoid physical violence, but to address the root causes of anger, resentment, and hatred within ourselves.
• Value Human Life: To recognize that all human life is sacred and created in God's image, deserving of respect and dignity.
• Pursue Reconciliation: As the subsequent verses elaborate, Jesus calls us to actively seek reconciliation and peaceful relationships, addressing conflicts before they fester into destructive anger.

This verse reminds us that God's standards are not just about outward conformity but about inward transformation, leading to a life that truly honors Him and loves others.