Christ Fulfills the Law

17 (A)“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, (B)till heaven and earth pass away, one [a]jot or one [b]tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 (C)Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds (D)the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder Begins in the Heart(E)

21 “You have heard that it was said to those [c]of old, (F)‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that (G)whoever is angry with his brother [d]without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, (H)‘Raca!’[e] shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, [f]‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of [g]hell fire. 23 Therefore (I)if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 (J)leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 (K)Agree with your adversary quickly, (L)while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

Adultery in the Heart

27 “You have heard that it was said [h]to those of old, (M)‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever (N)looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 (O)If your right eye causes you to [i]sin, (P)pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:18 Gr. iota, Heb. yod, the smallest letter
  2. Matthew 5:18 The smallest stroke in a Heb. letter
  3. Matthew 5:21 in ancient times
  4. Matthew 5:22 NU omits without a cause
  5. Matthew 5:22 Lit., in Aram., Empty head
  6. Matthew 5:22 Gr. More
  7. Matthew 5:22 Gr. Gehenna
  8. Matthew 5:27 NU, M omit to those of old
  9. Matthew 5:29 Lit. stumble or offend

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