八福

耶穌看見這些人群,就上了山,剛坐下,門徒便走到祂跟前, 祂就開口教導他們,說:

「心靈貧窮的人有福了,
因為天國是他們的。
哀慟的人有福了,
因為他們必得安慰。
謙和的人有福了,
因為他們必承受土地。
愛慕公義如饑似渴的人有福了,
因為他們必得飽足。
心存憐憫的人有福了,
因為他們必蒙上帝的憐憫。
心靈純潔的人有福了,
因為他們必看見上帝。
使人和睦的人有福了,
因為他們必被稱為上帝的兒女。
10 為義受迫害的人有福了,
因為天國是他們的。

11 「人們因為我的緣故侮辱、迫害、肆意毀謗你們,你們就有福了。 12 要歡喜快樂,因為你們在天上有很大的獎賞。他們也曾這樣迫害以前的先知。

鹽和光

13 「你們是世上的鹽。如果鹽失去鹹味,怎能使它再變鹹呢?它將毫無用處,只有被丟在外面任人踐踏。 14 你們是世上的光,如同建在山上的城一樣無法隱藏。 15 人點亮了燈,不會把它放在斗底下,而是放在燈臺上,好照亮全家。 16 同樣,你們的光也應當照在人面前,好讓他們看見你們的好行為,便讚美你們天上的父。

成全律法

17 「不要以為我是來廢除律法和先知書,我不是來廢除,乃是來成全。 18 我實在告訴你們,就是到天地都消失了,律法的一點一劃都不會廢除,全都要成就。 19 所以,誰違背這些誡命中最小的一條,並教導別人違背,誰在天國將被稱為最小的。但誰遵守這些誡命,並教導別人遵守,誰在天國將被稱為大的。 20 我告訴你們,除非你們的義勝過律法教師和法利賽人的義,否則斷不能進天國。

論仇恨

21 「你們聽過吩咐古人的話,『不可殺人,殺人的要受審判。』 22 但我告訴你們,凡無緣無故[a]向弟兄發怒的,要受審判;凡罵弟兄是白癡的,要受公會[b]的審判;凡罵弟兄是笨蛋的,難逃地獄的火。

23 「所以,你在祭壇前獻祭的時候,要是想起有弟兄和你有過節, 24 就該把祭物留在祭壇前,先去跟他和好,然後再來獻祭。

25 「趁著你和告你的人還在去法庭的路上,你要趕緊與對方和解。不然,他會把你交給審判官,審判官會把你交給差役關進監牢。 26 我實在告訴你,要是有一分錢沒有還清,你絕不能從那裡出來。

論通姦

27 「你們聽過這樣的話,『不可通姦。』 28 但我告訴你們,凡看見婦女就動淫念的,他在心裡已經犯了通姦罪。 29 如果你的右眼使你犯罪,就把它剜掉!寧可失去身體的一部分,也比整個人下地獄好。 30 如果你的右手使你犯罪,就把它砍掉!寧可失去身體的一部分,也比整個人下地獄好。

論休妻

31 「還有話說,『人若休妻,必須給她休書』。 32 但我告訴你們,除非是妻子不貞,否則,休妻就是使妻子犯通姦罪,娶被休女子的人也犯了通姦罪。

論起誓

33 「你們也聽過吩咐古人的話,『不可違背誓言,總要向主遵守所起的誓。』 34 但我告訴你們,不可起誓。不可指著天起誓,因為天是上帝的寶座。 35 不可指著地起誓,因為地是上帝的腳凳。不可指著聖城耶路撒冷起誓,因為那是大君王的城。 36 也不可指著自己的頭起誓,因為你不能使一根頭髮變黑或變白。 37 你們說話,是就說是,不是就說不是,多說的便是來自那惡者[c]

論愛仇敵

38 「你們聽過這樣的話,『以眼還眼,以牙還牙。』 39 但我告訴你們,不要跟惡人作對。有人打你的右臉,連左臉也轉過來讓他打。 40 有人想控告你,要奪取你的內衣,連外衣也給他。 41 有人強迫你走一里路,你就跟他走二里路。 42 有求你的,就給他;有向你借的,不可拒絕他。

43 「你們聽過這樣的話,『要愛鄰居,恨仇敵。』 44 但我告訴你們,要愛仇敵,為迫害你們的人禱告。 45 這樣,你們才是天父的孩子。因為祂讓陽光照好人也照壞人,降雨給義人也給惡人。 46 如果你們只愛那些愛你們的人,有什麼值得嘉獎的呢?就是稅吏也會這樣做。 47 如果你們只問候自己的弟兄,有什麼特別呢?就是外族人也會這樣做。 48 所以,你們要純全,正如你們的天父是純全的。

Footnotes

  1. 5·22 有古卷無「無緣無故」。
  2. 5·22 公會」是當時猶太人的最高司法機構,處理宗教、道德和倫理等事務。
  3. 5·37 那惡者即魔鬼,又名撒旦。

八福

耶稣看见这些人群,就上了山,刚坐下,门徒便走到祂跟前, 祂就开口教导他们,说:

“心灵贫穷的人有福了,
因为天国是他们的。
哀痛的人有福了,
因为他们必得安慰。
谦和的人有福了,
因为他们必承受土地。
爱慕公义如饥似渴的人有福了,
因为他们必得饱足。
心存怜悯的人有福了,
因为他们必蒙上帝的怜悯。
心灵纯洁的人有福了,
因为他们必看见上帝。
使人和睦的人有福了,
因为他们必被称为上帝的儿女。
10 为义受迫害的人有福了,
因为天国是他们的。

11 “人们因为我的缘故侮辱、迫害、肆意毁谤你们,你们就有福了。 12 要欢喜快乐,因为你们在天上有很大的奖赏。他们也曾这样迫害以前的先知。

盐和光

13 “你们是世上的盐。如果盐失去咸味,怎能使它再变咸呢?它将毫无用处,只有被丢在外面任人践踏。 14 你们是世上的光,如同建在山上的城一样无法隐藏。 15 人点亮了灯,不会把它放在斗底下,而是放在灯台上,好照亮全家。 16 同样,你们的光也应当照在人面前,好让他们看见你们的好行为,便赞美你们天上的父。

成全律法

17 “不要以为我是来废除律法和先知书,我不是来废除,乃是来成全。 18 我实在告诉你们,就是到天地都消失了,律法的一点一划都不会废除,全都要成就。 19 所以,谁违背这些诫命中最小的一条,并教导别人违背,谁在天国将被称为最小的。但谁遵守这些诫命,并教导别人遵守,谁在天国将被称为大的。 20 我告诉你们,除非你们的义胜过律法教师和法利赛人的义,否则断不能进天国。

论仇恨

21 “你们听过吩咐古人的话,‘不可杀人,杀人的要受审判。’ 22 但我告诉你们,凡无缘无故[a]向弟兄发怒的,要受审判;凡骂弟兄是白痴的,要受公会[b]的审判;凡骂弟兄是笨蛋的,难逃地狱的火。

23 “所以,你在祭坛前献祭的时候,要是想起有弟兄和你有过节, 24 就该把祭物留在祭坛前,先去跟他和好,然后再来献祭。

25 “趁着你和告你的人还在去法庭的路上,你要赶紧与对方和解。不然,他会把你交给审判官,审判官会把你交给差役关进监牢。 26 我实在告诉你,要是有一分钱没有还清,你绝不能从那里出来。

论通奸

27 “你们听过这样的话,‘不可通奸。’ 28 但我告诉你们,凡看见妇女就动淫念的,他在心里已经犯了通奸罪。 29 如果你的右眼使你犯罪,就把它剜掉!宁可失去身体的一部分,也比整个人下地狱好。 30 如果你的右手使你犯罪,就把它砍掉!宁可失去身体的一部分,也比整个人下地狱好。

论休妻

31 “还有话说,‘人若休妻,必须给她休书’。 32 但我告诉你们,除非是妻子不贞,否则,休妻就是使妻子犯通奸罪,娶被休女子的人也犯了通奸罪。

论起誓

33 “你们也听过吩咐古人的话,‘不可违背誓言,总要向主遵守所起的誓。’ 34 但我告诉你们,不可起誓。不可指着天起誓,因为天是上帝的宝座。 35 不可指着地起誓,因为地是上帝的脚凳。不可指着圣城耶路撒冷起誓,因为那是大君王的城。 36 也不可指着自己的头起誓,因为你不能使一根头发变黑或变白。 37 你们说话,是就说是,不是就说不是,多说的便是来自那恶者[c]

论爱仇敌

38 “你们听过这样的话,‘以眼还眼,以牙还牙。’ 39 但我告诉你们,不要跟恶人作对。有人打你的右脸,连左脸也转过来让他打。 40 有人想控告你,要夺取你的内衣,连外衣也给他。 41 有人强迫你走一里路,你就跟他走二里路。 42 有求你的,就给他;有向你借的,不可拒绝他。

43 “你们听过这样的话,‘要爱邻居,恨仇敌。’ 44 但我告诉你们,要爱仇敌,为迫害你们的人祷告。 45 这样,你们才是天父的孩子。因为祂让阳光照好人也照坏人,降雨给义人也给恶人。 46 如果你们只爱那些爱你们的人,有什么值得嘉奖的呢?就是税吏也会这样做。 47 如果你们只问候自己的弟兄,有什么特别呢?就是外族人也会这样做。 48 所以,你们要纯全,正如你们的天父是纯全的。

Footnotes

  1. 5:22 有古卷无“无缘无故”。
  2. 5:22 公会”是当时犹太人的最高司法机构,处理宗教、道德和伦理等事务。
  3. 5:37 那恶者即魔鬼,又名撒旦。

耶稣教导人们

耶稣看到有许多人在那里,就走到一座小山上坐了下来。门徒们向他聚拢过来。 耶稣开始教导他们说:

“知道自己在属灵境界中有需求的人受到祝福,
因为天国属于他们;
悲伤的人受到祝福,
因为上帝会来抚慰他们;
温和的人受到祝福,
因为他们将承受上帝许诺的土地 [a]
渴望正义的人受到祝福,
因为上帝会满足他们的要求;
仁慈的人受到祝福,
因为上帝会施予他们怜恤;
心灵纯洁的人受到祝福,
因为他们将与上帝同在;
追求和平的人受到祝福,
因为他们必将成为上帝之子;
10 为了执行上帝的旨意而受到迫害的人受到祝福,
因为天国属于他们。

11 “当你们因为跟随我而受人们的侮辱、迫害和恶语中伤时,你们就受到祝福了。 12 应该欢喜快乐,因为你们在天堂里获得的奖赏是巨大的。他们也曾同样地虐待了在你们之前的先知。

你们像盐、像光

13 “你们就好像是世上的盐,但是,如果盐失去了咸味,它怎么可能再变咸呢?它也就没有任何用处了,只能被扔掉,任人践踏。

14 “你们是世界的光。山上的城市是藏不住的; 15 点燃的灯火也不会被扣在碗下面,而是被放在灯台上,把光带给屋子里的人们。 16 同样,你们的光也应该照亮在人们面前,让他们看见你们的善行,把荣耀归给你们在天上的父。

耶稣与旧约

17 “不要以为我是为了要毁弃律法和先知的教导而来的,我不是来毁弃它们的,而是来贯彻和实现它们的。 18 我实话告诉你们,只要天地还存在,律法的一笔一划都不能消失,直到所有的事情发生。 19 所以,无论是谁,只要违反了律法中的任何一条,甚至似乎是微不足道的一条,并且教唆别人也这么做,他在天国里就是最渺小的;无论是谁,只要遵守律法,同时又教育别人也这么做,那么,他在天国里就是伟大的。 20 我告诉你们,如果你们做上帝要你们做的事情,却胜不过律法师和法利赛人,那么,你们就别想进天国!

耶稣针对发怒的教导

21 “你们一定听说过告诫我们祖先的话∶‘不许杀人。杀人者必受到审判。’ [b] 22 但是,我告诉你们,凡是对别人动怒的人,也将受到审判;凡是侮辱别人的人,也将会受到犹太法庭 [c]的审判;凡是说别人‘蠢货’的人,也将遭到地狱烈火的焚烧。

23 “所以,当你向祭坛献供品时,如果想起有人与你不和, 24 你应该先把供品放在祭坛前,去和那个人言归于好,然后再来献供品。

25 如果你的仇人要和你打官司,趁着还在路上的时候,赶快和他交朋友,否则,他会把你交给法官,法官又会把你交给看守,然后,你又会被投进监狱。 26 我实话告诉你们,除非你偿还了最后一分钱,否则你别想从监狱里出来。

耶稣针对通奸的教导

27 “你们听说过‘不许通奸’ [d]的话了吧? 28 我告诉你们,如果有人看见女人就萌生淫邪之念,那么,他在心里就已经和她通奸了。 29 如果你的右眼使你犯罪,那就把右眼挖出来扔掉。宁可舍弃身体的一部分,也不要让整个身体投入地狱。 30 如果你的右手使你犯罪,那就把右手砍下来扔掉。宁可舍弃身体的一部分,也不要让整个身体下地狱。

耶稣针对离婚的教导

31 还有一条教导是∶‘无论谁与妻子离婚,都必须给她一份书面的休书。’ [e] 32 我告诉你们,除非是他妻子不贞,任何男人与妻子离婚,他就是在使她犯通奸罪;谁娶离了婚的女人,谁就犯了通奸罪。

耶稣针对发誓的教导

33 “你们一定听说过我们的祖先受到的告诫∶‘不要违背誓言,必须恪守对主的誓言。’ [f] 34 我告诉你们,不要发誓。不要指天发誓,因为天是上帝的宝座; 35 不要指地发誓,因为地是上帝的脚凳;不要对耶路撒冷发誓,因为耶路撒冷是上帝的城市; 36 也不要用你的脑袋发誓,因为你无力使一根头发变白或变黑。 37 ‘是’就说‘是’,‘不是’就说‘不是’,多余的话就出自魔鬼了。

耶稣针对报复的教导

38 你们听说过‘以眼还眼,以牙还牙’ [g]的说法吧? 39 我告诉你们,不要同恶人做对。如果有人打了你的右脸,你就把左脸伸过去让他打; 40 如果有人想去法院告你,还要抢走你的内衣,你就让他连外套一起拿去; 41 如果有人强迫你陪他走一里路,你就陪他走两里。 42 要给予对你有所求的人,不要拒绝向你借东西的人。

爱你们的敌人

43 “你们也听说过这样的话∶‘爱你的朋友,恨你的敌人。’ [h] 44 我告诉你们,要爱你们的敌人,要为迫害你们的人祈祷, 45 这样,你们就会做天父的孩子。父让太阳升起,照耀好人和坏人,还降雨给正直和邪恶的人。 46 如果你们只爱那些爱你们的人,那么,你们能得到什么奖赏呢?就连税吏也能做到这一点,不是吗? 47 如果你们只问候你们的兄弟姐妹,你们哪里比别人强呢?就连非教徒也会这么做,不是吗? 48 所以,你们必须像你们的天父那样尽善尽美。

Footnotes

  1. 馬 太 福 音 5:5 许诺的土地: 见《诗篇》37:17。
  2. 馬 太 福 音 5:21 引自旧约《申命记》5:17。
  3. 馬 太 福 音 5:22 犹太法庭: 最高犹太议会,也作法庭。
  4. 馬 太 福 音 5:27 引自旧约《出埃及记》20:14:《申命记》5:18。
  5. 馬 太 福 音 5:31 引自旧约《申命记》24:1。
  6. 馬 太 福 音 5:33 引自旧约《利未记》19:12;《民数记》30:2:《申命记》23:21。
  7. 馬 太 福 音 5:38 引自旧约《出埃及记》21:24;《利未记》24:20;《申命记》19:21。
  8. 馬 太 福 音 5:43 引自旧约《利未记》19:18。

Jesus teaches his disciples

Jesus saw that crowds of people were following him. So he went up a hill and he sat down there to teach them. His disciples came near to listen to him. He began to teach them. This is what he said:

‘Happy are the people who know that they need God very much.
    The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like that.[a]
Happy are the people who are sad now.
    God will come near to help them.[b]
Happy are the people who are kind.
    The whole earth will belong to them.
Happy are the people who want to obey God, as much as they want to eat food.
    God will give to them everything that they need.
Happy are the people who help other people and who forgive them.
    God will forgive people like that.
Happy are the people who have only good thoughts.
    They will come near to God and see him.
Happy are the people who bring people together to be friends.
    God will call them his children.
10 Happy are the people who do what is right but other people hurt them because of it.
    The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like that.

11 Yes, happy are you when people say bad things against you because you believe in me. Or they may hurt you. Or they may say things about you that are not true. 12 God is preparing many good things for you in heaven. So you should be very happy when people do these bad things to any of you. People did these same things to God's prophets who lived long ago.’

Jesus' disciples are like salt and light

13 Jesus said, ‘You are like salt for all people to taste and use. Salt is good. But if it is not salty any more, you cannot make it salty again. People can no longer use it for anything. They just throw it away and they walk on it.

14 You are like a light for everybody in this world. If people build a city on a hill, then other people can see it easily. 15 Nobody lights a lamp and then puts it under a pot. He will put the lamp in a high place.[c] Everybody who is in the house can then see the light from the lamp. 16 You must be sure that your light shines well. Then you will give light to other people. They will see all the good things that you do.[d] Then they will praise God, who is your Father in heaven.’

Jesus talks about the Laws that Moses gave to the Jews

17 Jesus said, ‘You should not think that I have come to destroy God's Law. Also, I have not come to destroy the messages that God's prophets wrote down. No, I have not come to destroy their words. I have come to make what they taught become true. 18 I tell you this: One day, even the earth and the sky will finish. But while they remain, God's Law will also remain. Nobody can remove even the smallest thing from it. The Law will remain until everything in it has happened.

19 A person may choose not to obey a rule in God's Law. He may think it is the least important rule. He may also teach other people to think like that. Then God will call him the least important person in the kingdom of heaven. But a person may choose to obey all the rules in God's Law. And he may teach other people to obey them too. Then God will call that person great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 I tell you this: You must always do what is right. You must live in a way that is better than the teachers of God's Law and the Pharisees.[e] You will never come into the kingdom of heaven if you do not do better than them.’

Jesus teaches about angry people

21 Jesus then said, ‘You know the rule that God gave to your ancestors: “You must not kill anyone. Any person who does kill someone will stand in front of a judge.[f] The judge will punish him because he has done a wrong thing.” 22 But what I now say to you is this: Anybody who is angry with his brother will have to stand in front of a judge. Or someone might call his brother by a bad name. Then he will have to stand in front of the Jewish leaders. They will judge him. But someone may say to his brother, “You are a fool.”[g] God will judge that person. God may punish him in the fires of hell.

23 Maybe you go to the temple to give your gift to God. You take it to the altar. But then you remember that your brother is angry with you. 24 You must leave your gift there in front of God's altar. First you must go and find your brother. Tell him that you are sorry. Then you can both become friends with each other again. After that, you can return to the altar and give your gift to God.

25 Also, somebody may say that you have done something wrong against him. He may take you to stand in front of the judge.[h] You should quickly try to agree with this person. Decide with him how to make things right again. Do this even while you are going with him to the judge. If you do not do that, the judge may agree that you have done a wrong thing. Then he will give you to his officer. His officer will put you in prison. 26 I tell you this: You will remain in prison until you have paid all the money, even the last small coin.’

Jesus teaches people about bad thoughts

27 Jesus then said, ‘You know what God's rule says: “You must not have sex with anyone who is not your husband or your wife.” 28 But what I tell you is this: A man may look at a woman who is not his wife. And he may want to have sex with her. In his thoughts, he has had sex with her, so he has done a wrong thing. 29 If your right eye leads you to do wrong things, then you should take it out. You should throw it away. Yes, you will lose one eye. But it will be much worse if you keep your whole body and God throws you into hell. 30 Also, if your right hand leads you to do wrong things, then you should cut it off. You should throw it away. You will lose one hand. But it will be much worse if you keep your body in one piece and go to hell.’[i]

Jesus talks about when a man sends his wife away

31 ‘God's Law also says: “Any man who wants to send his wife away must give her a letter. This letter must say that they are no longer married.” 32 But what I tell you is this: A man must not send his wife away except for one reason. He may only send her away if she has had sex with another man. If he sends her away for any other reason, he has done a wrong thing. It is like he has caused her to have sex with another man. Also, if a woman has left her husband, another man must not marry her. That is the same as if he had sex with another man's wife.’

Jesus teaches people about promises to God

33 ‘You also know the rule that God gave to your ancestors: “If you make a promise to God, you must do what you have said.” 34 But what I tell you is this. Do not use any name to make a promise stronger. Do not use the words “by heaven” to make a promise stronger. Heaven is the place where God rules. Do not use the words “by the earth” to make a promise stronger. The earth is the place where God rests his feet. 35 Do not use the words “by Jerusalem” to make a promise stronger. Jerusalem is God's city. He is the great King who rules from there. 36 Do not use the words “by my head” to make a promise. You cannot make the colour of even one of your hairs black or white. 37 Instead, when you make a promise, you should say only “Yes, I will do it.” Or you should say only “No, I will not do it.” If you say anything more than this, what you say is bad.[j] It comes from Satan.’

Jesus teaches how to love people

38 Jesus then said, ‘You also know that God's Law says: “If somebody destroys your eye, then you should destroy that person's eye. If somebody destroys your tooth, then you should destroy that person's tooth.” 39 But what I tell you is this. If somebody does something bad to you, do not do anything against him.[k] Somebody may slap you on one side of your face. Then you should also let him slap the other side of your face.

40 Maybe somebody wants to take you to the judge. He says that you should give him your shirt. Give the man your shirt, and give him your coat too. 41 Or a soldier may tell you, “Carry my luggage for one kilometre.” You should do that. Even agree to carry it for two kilometres. 42 When people ask you for something, you should give it to them. If they ask you to lend them something, then you should not refuse.

43 You have heard people say, “Love the people who are your friends. But hate those who want to hurt you.” 44 What I tell you is this: You should love the people who want to hurt you. If people want to give you pain, pray for them. Pray that God would help them. 45 If you live like this, you will show that you really are children of your Father above. God is kind to everyone. He causes the sun to shine on everyone, both good people and bad people. He also causes the rain to fall on everyone, people who obey him and people who do not obey him. 46 Do you only love people who love you? God will not give you good things just for doing that. Even the men who take taxes love their friends![l]

47 If you are only kind to your friends, then you are not doing anything special. Even people who do not believe in God do that. 48 So you must be good in every way, as your Father above is good in every way.’

Footnotes

  1. 5:3 ‘Happy’ here means that God has blessed people who are like this. They may not always feel happy, but they are in a good place, a happy place. God will take care of them.
  2. 5:4 Jesus was not only speaking about people who are sad. Some people are sorry about all the bad things that they have done. Jesus was speaking about those people.
  3. 5:15 At this time, people burned oil in a dish to make a light. They called this a lamp. When it was burning, they sometimes put it on a place high on a wall.
  4. 5:16 Jesus is teaching his disciples about how they must live in a good way that makes God happy. Light shows people the way. In the same way, the disciples must show people the way to God.
  5. 5:20 The teachers of God's Law and the Pharisees thought that they obeyed every rule in the Law. But they did not do it because they loved God. They wanted other people to think well of them.
  6. 5:21 At the time when Jesus said this, there were 71 important rulers in Jerusalem. And they met together to judge a bad person. The leader of the priests was their leader. These men had great power. God is the most powerful judge. Only he can send a person to hell.
  7. 5:22 When Jesus used the word brother, he was also talking about any special friend.
  8. 5:25 A judge listens to what people say against each other. He then decides who is right or wrong. Jesus is telling the people that everyone has done wrong things to God. They do not obey him in the way that they should. Jesus says that we should believe in him now. If we do not, then God will judge us. And he will punish us when we stand in front of him.
  9. 5:30 Jesus does not want his disciples to cut their bodies. It is very important for them not to do wrong things. And Jesus is telling them this.
  10. 5:37 People used to say these extra words when they made a promise. They wanted other people to know that they would keep their promise. Jesus taught that we should always keep our promises (do what we promised to do).
  11. 5:39 We should not do bad things to other people who have done bad things to us.
  12. 5:46 The men who took taxes for the Roman government took the money from their own people, the Jews. They often took more money than they should have taken. So people hated the men who took taxes from them.

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes(A)

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(B)
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.(C)
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.(D)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.(E)
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.(F)
Blessed are the pure in heart,(G)
    for they will see God.(H)
Blessed are the peacemakers,(I)
    for they will be called children of God.(J)
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,(K)
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(L)

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you,(M) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.(N) 12 Rejoice and be glad,(O) because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(P)

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.(Q)

14 “You are the light of the world.(R) A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.(S) 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others,(T) that they may see your good deeds(U) and glorify(V) your Father in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.(W) 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.(X) 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands(Y) and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.(Z)

Murder(AA)

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a](AB) and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry(AC) with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment.(AD) Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court.(AE) And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.(AF)

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[e](AG) 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.(AH) 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble,(AI) gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble,(AJ) cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Divorce

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’[f](AK) 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.(AL)

Oaths

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath,(AM) but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’(AN) 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all:(AO) either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;(AP) 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.(AQ) 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;(AR) anything beyond this comes from the evil one.[g](AS)

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h](AT) 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.(AU) 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.(AV)

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i](AW) and hate your enemy.’(AX) 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,(AY) 45 that you may be children(AZ) of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.(BA) 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?(BB) Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.(BC)

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:21 Exodus 20:13
  2. Matthew 5:22 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a fellow disciple, whether man or woman; also in verse 23.
  3. Matthew 5:22 Some manuscripts brother or sister without cause
  4. Matthew 5:22 An Aramaic term of contempt
  5. Matthew 5:27 Exodus 20:14
  6. Matthew 5:31 Deut. 24:1
  7. Matthew 5:37 Or from evil
  8. Matthew 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21
  9. Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18