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登山訓眾論福

耶穌看見這許多的人,就上了山,既已坐下,門徒到他跟前來, 他就開口教訓他們,說: 「虛心的人有福了!因為天國是他們的。 哀慟的人有福了!因為他們必得安慰。 溫柔的人有福了!因為他們必承受地土。 飢渴慕義的人有福了!因為他們必得飽足。 憐恤人的人有福了!因為他們必蒙憐恤。 清心的人有福了!因為他們必得見神。 使人和睦的人有福了!因為他們必稱為神的兒子。 10 為義受逼迫的人有福了!因為天國是他們的。 11 人若因我辱罵你們逼迫你們,捏造各樣壞話毀謗你們,你們就有福了。 12 應當歡喜快樂,因為你們在天上的賞賜是大的。在你們以前的先知,人也是這樣逼迫他們。

門徒為光為鹽

13 「你們是世上的鹽。鹽若失了味,怎能叫它再鹹呢?以後無用,不過丟在外面,被人踐踏了。 14 你們是世上的光。城造在山上,是不能隱藏的。 15 人點燈,不放在斗底下,是放在燈臺上,就照亮一家的人。 16 你們的光也當這樣照在人前,叫他們看見你們的好行為,便將榮耀歸給你們在天上的父。

耶穌來成全律法和先知的道

17 「莫想我來要廢掉律法和先知,我來不是要廢掉,乃是要成全。 18 我實在告訴你們:就是到天地都廢去了,律法的一點一畫也不能廢去,都要成全。 19 所以,無論何人廢掉這誡命中最小的一條,又教訓人這樣做,他在天國要稱為最小的;但無論何人遵行這誡命,又教訓人遵行,他在天國要稱為大的。 20 我告訴你們:你們的義若不勝於文士和法利賽人的義,斷不能進天國。

論仇恨

21 「你們聽見有吩咐古人的話說:『不可殺人』,又說:『凡殺人的難免受審判。』 22 只是我告訴你們,凡[a]向弟兄動怒的,難免受審判;凡罵弟兄是拉加的,難免公會的審斷;凡罵弟兄是魔利的,難免地獄的火。 23 所以,你在祭壇上獻禮物的時候,若想起弟兄向你懷怨, 24 就把禮物留在壇前,先去同弟兄和好,然後來獻禮物。 25 你同告你的對頭還在路上,就趕緊與他和息,恐怕他把你送給審判官,審判官交付衙役,你就下在監裡了。 26 我實在告訴你:若有一文錢沒有還清,你斷不能從那裡出來。

論姦淫

27 「你們聽見有話說:『不可姦淫。』 28 只是我告訴你們,凡看見婦女就動淫念的,這人心裡已經與她犯姦淫了。 29 若是你的右眼叫你跌倒,就剜出來丟掉!寧可失去百體中的一體,不叫全身丟在地獄裡。 30 若是右手叫你跌倒,就砍下來丟掉!寧可失去百體中的一體,不叫全身下入地獄。 31 又有話說:『人若休妻,就當給她休書。』 32 只是我告訴你們,凡休妻的,若不是為淫亂的緣故,就是叫她做淫婦了;人若娶這被休的婦人,也是犯姦淫了。

論起誓

33 「你們又聽見有吩咐古人的話說:『不可背誓,所起的誓總要向主謹守。』 34 只是我告訴你們,什麼誓都不可起。不可指著天起誓,因為天是神的座位; 35 不可指著地起誓,因為地是他的腳凳;也不可指著耶路撒冷起誓,因為耶路撒冷是大君的京城; 36 又不可指著你的頭起誓,因為你不能使一根頭髮變黑變白了。 37 你們的話,是就說是,不是就說不是;若再多說,就是出於那惡者[b]

論愛仇敵

38 「你們聽見有話說:『以眼還眼,以牙還牙。』 39 只是我告訴你們,不要與惡人作對。有人打你的右臉,連左臉也轉過來由他打; 40 有人想要告你,要拿你的裡衣,連外衣也由他拿去; 41 有人強逼你走一里路,你就同他走二里。 42 有求你的,就給他;有向你借貸的,不可推辭。

43 「你們聽見有話說:『當愛你的鄰舍,恨你的仇敵。』 44 只是我告訴你們,要愛你們的仇敵,為那逼迫你們的禱告, 45 這樣就可以做你們天父的兒子,因為他叫日頭照好人也照歹人,降雨給義人也給不義的人。 46 你們若單愛那愛你們的人,有什麼賞賜呢?就是稅吏不也是這樣行嗎? 47 你們若單請你弟兄的安,比人有什麼長處呢?就是外邦人不也是這樣行嗎? 48 所以你們要完全,像你們的天父完全一樣。

Footnotes

  1. 馬太福音 5:22 有古卷在「凡」字下添「無緣無故地」五字。
  2. 馬太福音 5:37 或作:是從惡裡出來的。

论福(A)

耶稣看见群众,就上了山;他坐下之后,门徒来到他跟前, 他就开口教训他们:

“心灵贫乏的人有福了,

因为天国是他们的。

哀痛的人有福了,

因为他们必得安慰。

温柔的人有福了,

因为他们必承受地土。

爱慕公义如饥如渴的人有福了,

因为他们必得饱足。

怜悯人的人有福了,

因为他们必蒙怜悯。

内心清洁的人有福了,

因为他们必看见 神。

使人和平的人有福了,

因为他们必称为 神的儿子。

10 为义遭受迫害的人有福了,

因为天国是他们的。

11 人若因我的缘故辱骂你们,迫害你们,并且捏造各样坏话毁谤你们,你们就有福了。 12 你们应该欢喜快乐,因为你们在天上的赏赐是大的;在你们以前的先知,他们也曾这样迫害。

门徒作盐作光(B)

13 “你们是地上的盐;如果盐失了味,怎能使它再咸呢?结果毫无用处,唯有丢在外面任人践踏。 14 你们是世上的光。建在山上的城是无法隐藏的; 15 人点了灯,不会放在量器底下,而是放在灯台上,就照亮一家人。 16 照样,你们的光也应当照在人前,让他们看见你们的好行为,又颂赞你们在天上的父。

论律法

17 “你们不要以为我来是要废除律法和先知;我来不是要废除,而是要完成。 18 我实在告诉你们,就算天地过去,律法的一点一画也不会废去,全部都要成就。 19 因此,无论谁废除诫命中最小的一条,又这样教导人,他在天国中必称为最小的;但若有人遵行这些诫命,并且教导人遵行,他在天国中必称为大。 20 我告诉你们,你们的义若不胜过经学家和法利赛人的义,就必不能进天国。

不可恨人(C)

21 “你们听过有这样吩咐古人的话:‘不可杀人,杀人的必被判罪。’ 22 可是我告诉你们,凡是向弟兄发怒的,必被判罪。人若说弟兄是‘拉加’,必被公议会审判;人若说弟兄是‘摩利’,必难逃地狱的火。 23 所以你在祭坛上献供物的时候,如果在那里想起你的弟兄对你不满, 24 就当在坛前放下供物,先去与弟兄和好,然后才来献你的供物。 25 趁着你和你的对头还在路上的时候,要赶快与他和解,免得他抓你去见法官,法官把你交给狱警,关在监里。 26 我实在告诉你,除非你还清最后一分钱,否则决不能从那里出来。

不可动淫念

27 “你们听过有这样的吩咐:‘不可奸淫。’ 28 可是我告诉你们,凡是看见妇女就动淫念的,心里已经犯了奸淫。 29 如果你的右眼使你犯罪,就把它挖出来丢掉;宁可失去身体的一部分,胜过全身被丢进地狱里。 30 如果你的右手使你犯罪,就把它砍下来丢掉;宁可失去身体的一部分,胜过全身进到地狱里去。

不可休妻(D)

31 “又有这样的吩咐:‘人若休妻,就应当给她休书。’ 32 可是我告诉你们,凡休妻的,如果不是因她不贞,就是促使她犯奸淫;无论谁娶了被休的妇人,也就是犯奸淫了。

不可发誓

33 “你们又听过有这样吩咐古人的话:‘不可背约,向主许的愿都要偿还。’ 34 可是我告诉你们,总不可发誓,不可指着天发誓,因为天是 神的宝座; 35 不可指着地发誓,因为地是 神的脚凳;不可指着耶路撒冷发誓,因为它是大君王的京城; 36 也不可指着自己的头发誓,因为你不能使一根头发变白或变黑。 37 你们的话,是就说‘是’,不是就说‘不是’;如果再多说,就是出于那恶者。

不可报复(E)

38 “你们听过有这样的吩咐:‘以眼还眼,以牙还牙。’ 39 可是我告诉你们,不要与恶人对抗,有人打你的右脸,把另一边也转过来让他打; 40 有人要告你,想拿你的衬衫,就连外套也让他拿去。 41 有人要强迫你走一里路,就陪他走两里。 42 有求你的,就给他;想借贷的,也不可拒绝。

当爱仇敌(F)

43 “你们听过有这样的吩咐:‘当爱你的邻舍,恨你的仇敌。’ 44 可是我告诉你们,当爱你们的仇敌,为迫害你们的祈祷, 45 好叫你们成为你们天父的儿子;因为他使太阳照恶人,也照好人;降雨给义人,也给不义的人。 46 如果你们只爱那些爱你们的人,有甚么赏赐呢?税吏不也是这样作吗? 47 如果你们单问候你们的弟兄,有甚么特别呢?教外人不也是这样作吗? 48 所以你们要完全,正如你们的天父是完全的。”

1 Who are blessed. 13 The Apostles are the salt and light of the world. 14 The city set on an hill. 15 The candle. 16 Good works. 19 The fulfilling of Christ’s commandments. 21 What killing is. 23 Reconciliation is set before sacrifice. 27 Adultery. 29 The plucking out of the eye. 30 Cutting off of the hand. 31 The bill of divorcement. 33 Not to swear. 44 To love our enemies. 48 Perfectness.

And when he saw the multitude, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came to him.

[a]And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

(A)Blessed are the [b]poor in [c]spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(B)Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

(C)Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

(D)Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the (E)[d]pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they (F)which suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 (G)Blessed shall ye be when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you for my sake, falsely.

12 Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you.

13 (H)Ye [e]are the salt of the [f]earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be [g]salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the [h]light of the world. A city that is set on an hill, cannot be hid.

15 (I)Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 (J)Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.

17 [i]Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the Prophets. I am not come to destroy them, but to [j]fulfill them.

18 (K)For truly I say unto you, Till heaven and earth perish, one jot or one tittle of the Law shall not escape, till all things be fulfilled.

19 (L)[k]Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and teach men so, he shall be called the [l]least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall observe and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, except your righteousness (M)exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21 [m]Ye have heard that it was said unto them of the old time, (N)Thou shalt not kill: for whosoever killeth shall be culpable of judgment.

22 But I say unto you, whosoever is angry with his brother unadvisedly, shall be [n]culpable [o]of judgment. And whosoever saith unto his brother, Raca, shall be worthy to be punished by the [p]Council. And whosoever shall say, Fool, shall be worthy to be punished with [q]hell [r]fire.

23 [s]If then thou bring thy gift to the [t]altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee,

24 Leave there thine offering before the altar, and go thy way: first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 (O)[u]Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him, lest thine adversary deliver thee to the Judge, and the Judge deliver thee to the sergeant, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt not come out thence, till thou hast [v]paid the utmost farthing.

27 [w]Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, (P)Thou shalt not commit adultery.

28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29 (Q)Wherefore if thy [x]right eye cause thee [y]to offend, pluck it out and cast it from thee: for better it is for thee, that one of thy members perish, than that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 Also if thy right hand make thee to offend, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for better it is for thee, that one of thy members perish, than that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

31 It hath been said also, (R)Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a bill of divorcement.

32 But I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife (except it be for fornication) causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, committeth adultery.

33 [z]Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, (S)Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform thine oaths to the Lord.

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God:

35 Nor yet by the earth, for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem: for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thine head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 (T)But let your communication be [aa]Yea, yea: Nay, nay. For whatsoever is more than these, cometh of [ab]evil.

38 [ac]Ye have heard that it hath been said, An (U)eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.

39 But I say unto you, (V)Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever will compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42 (W)Give to him that asketh, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn not away.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, (X)Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, (Y)Love your enemies: bless them that curse you: do good to them that hate you, (Z)and pray for them which hurt you, and persecute you,

45 (AA)[ad]That ye may be the children of your father that is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to arise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust.

46 For if ye love them, which love you, what reward shall you have? Do not the Publicans even the same?

47 And if ye be friendly to your brethren only, what singular thing do ye? do not even the [ae]Publicans likewise?

48 Ye shall therefore be perfect, as your Father which is in heaven, is perfect.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:2 Christ teacheth that the greatest joy and felicity is not in the commodities and pleasures of this life, but is laid up in heaven for them that willingly rest in the good will and pleasure of God, and endeavor to profit all men, although they be cruelly vexed, and troubled of the worldlings, because they will not fashion themselves to their manners.
  2. Matthew 5:3 Under the name of poverty are all such miseries meant, as are joined with poverty.
  3. Matthew 5:3 Whose minds and spirits are brought under, and tamed, and obey God.
  4. Matthew 5:8 Fitly is this word Pure, joined with the heart, for as a bright and shining resemblance or image may be seen plainly in a clear and pure looking glass, even so doth the face (as it were) of the everlasting God, shine forth, and clear appears in a pure heart.
  5. Matthew 5:13 The ministers of the word, especially (unless they will be the most caitiff of all) must needs lead others both by word and deed to this greatest joy and felicity.
  6. Matthew 5:13 Your doctrine must be very sound and good, for if it be not so, it shall be naught set by, and cast away as a thing unsavory and vain.
  7. Matthew 5:13 What shall you have to salt withal? And so are fools in the Latin tongue called saltless, as you would say, men that have no salt, or savor and taste in them.
  8. Matthew 5:14 You shine and give light, by being made partakers of the true light.
  9. Matthew 5:17 Christ came not to bring any new way of righteousness and salvation into the world, but to fulfill that in deed which was shadowed by the figures of the Law, by delivering men through grace from the curse of the Law: and moreover to teach the true use of obedience which the Law appointed, and to engrave in our hearts the force of obedience.
  10. Matthew 5:17 That the prophecies may be accomplished.
  11. Matthew 5:19 He beginneth with the true expounding of the Law, and setteth it against the old (but yet false) glosses of the Scribes: So far is he from abolishing the least commandment of his Father.
  12. Matthew 5:19 He shall have no place in the Church.
  13. Matthew 5:21 The true meaning of the first commandment.
  14. Matthew 5:22 He speaketh of the judgment of God, and of the difference of sins, and therefore applieth his words to the form of civil judgments, which were then used.
  15. Matthew 5:22 Of that judgment which was ruled by three men, who had the hearing and deciding of money matters, and such other small causes.
  16. Matthew 5:22 By that judgment which stood of 23 Judges, who had the hearing and deciding of weighty affairs and matters of life and death: as the highest Judges of all, were to the number of 71, which had the hearing of most weighty affairs, as the matter of a whole tribe or of an high Priest, or of a false prophet.
  17. Matthew 5:22 Whereas we read here, Hell, it is in the text itself, Gehenna, which is an Hebrew word made of two, and is as much to say, as the Valley of Hinnom, which otherwise the Hebrews called Tophet: it was a place where the Israelites were wont most cruelly to sacrifice their children to false gods, whereupon it was taken for a place appointed to torment the reprobates in Jer. 7:31.
  18. Matthew 5:22 The Jews used four kinds of punishments, before their government was taken away by Herod, hanging, heading, stoning, and burning: this is it that Christ shot at, because burning was the greatest punishment, therefore in that he maketh mention of a judgment, a council, and a fire, he showeth that some sins are worse than other sins, but yet they are all such that we must give account for them, and will be punished for them.
  19. Matthew 5:23 The covetous Pharisees taught that God was appeased by the sacrifices appointed in the Law, which they themselves devoured. But Christ on the contrary side denieth that God accepteth any man’s offering, unless he maketh satisfaction to his brother whom he hath offended: and saith moreover, that these stubborn and stiffnecked despisers of their brethren, shall never escape the wrath and curse of God, before they have made full satisfaction to their brethren.
  20. Matthew 5:23 He applieth all this speech to the state of his time, when as there was an altar standing in Jerusalem, and therefore they are very foolish, that gather hereupon, that we must build altars, and use sacrifices: but they are more fools, which draw that to purgatory, which is spoken of peacemaking and atonement one with another.
  21. Matthew 5:25 Cut off all cause for enmity.
  22. Matthew 5:26 Thou shalt be dealt withall to the utmost extremity.
  23. Matthew 5:27 He is taken for an adulterer before God, whatsoever he be, that coveteth a woman: and therefore we must keep our eyes chaste, and all the members we have, yea, and we must eschew all occasions which might move us to evil, how dear soever it cost us.
  24. Matthew 5:29 He nameth the right eye and the right hand, because the parts of the right side of our bodies are the chiefest, and the readiest to commit any wickedness.
  25. Matthew 5:29 Word for word, do cause thee to offend: for sins are stumbling blocks as it were, that is to say, rocks which we are cast upon.
  26. Matthew 5:33 The meaning of the third commandment against the froward opinion and judgment of the Scribes, which excused by oaths or indirect forms of swearing.
  27. Matthew 5:37 Whatsoever you vouch, vouch it barely, and whatsoever you deny, deny it barely without any more words.
  28. Matthew 5:37 From an evil conscience, or from the devil.
  29. Matthew 5:38 He showeth clean contrary to the doctrine of the Scribes, that the sum of the second table must be understood, that we may in no wise render evil for evil, but rather suffer double injury, and do well to them that are our deadly enemies.
  30. Matthew 5:45 A double reason: the one is taken of relatives, that children must be like their father: the other is taken of comparison, The children of God must be better, than the children of this world.
  31. Matthew 5:47 They that were the toll masters, and had the oversight of tributes and customs: a kind of men that the Jews hated to death, both because they served the Romans in these offices, (whose yokeful bondage they could hardly away withall) and also because these toll masters are for the most part given to covetousness.

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

Jesus Teaches the People(A)

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on ·a hill [the mountain] and sat down. His ·followers [disciples] ·came to [gathered around] him, and he began to teach them, saying:

“·They are blessed [or Blessed are those…; C and so through v. 10] who ·realize their spiritual poverty [L are the poor in spirit],
    for the kingdom of heaven ·belongs to them [is theirs].
They are blessed who ·grieve [mourn],
    for ·God will comfort them [L they will be comforted; C the passive verb implies God as subject].
They are blessed who are ·humble [meek; gentle],
    for ·the whole earth will be theirs [L they shall inherit the earth; Ps. 37:11].
They are blessed who hunger and thirst after ·justice [righteousness],
    for they will be ·satisfied [filled].
They are blessed who show mercy to others,
    for ·God will show mercy to them [L they will be shown mercy; C the passive verb implies God as subject].
They are blessed ·whose thoughts are pure [or whose hearts are pure; T the pure in heart],
    for they will see God.
They are blessed who work for peace [T Blessed are the peacemakers],
    for they will be called God’s ·children [or sons].
10 They are blessed who are persecuted for ·doing good [doing what’s right; L the sake of righteousness],
    for the kingdom of heaven ·belongs to them [is theirs].

11 “·You are blessed [T Blessed are you; or God will bless you] when people ·insult [mock; abuse; revile] you and ·hurt [persecute] you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things ·about [against] you because ·you follow [L of] me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. ·People did the same evil things to [L They likewise persecuted] the prophets who lived before you.

You Are Like Salt and Light(B)

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt ·loses its salty taste [becomes tasteless], ·it cannot [L how can it…?] be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and ·walked on [trampled].

14 “You are the light ·that gives light to [for; L of] the world. A city that ·is built [stands; is set] on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 And people don’t light a lamp and then hide it under a ·bowl [or basket]. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. 16 In the same way let your light shine ·before others [for people to see], so that they will see ·the good things you do [L your good deeds/works] and will ·praise [glorify; give honor to] your Father in heaven.

The Importance of the Law and the Prophets(C)

17 “Don’t think that I have come to ·destroy [abolish; do away with] ·the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets [L the Law and the Prophets; C referring to the OT]. I have not come to destroy them but to ·bring about what they said [fulfill/complete them]. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth ·are gone [pass away; disappear], not even ·the smallest letter [T one jot; L one iota; C the smallest Greek letter] or the smallest ·part [stroke; T tittle] of a letter will ·be lost [pass away; disappear] until everything ·has happened [is accomplished/achieved]. 19 [L Therefore] Whoever ·refuses to obey [ignores; breaks; annuls] ·any command [L one of the least of these commands] and teaches other people ·not to obey that command [L to do likewise] will be ·the least important [L called/considered least] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever ·obeys [keeps; practices] the commands and teaches other people to obey them will be [considered; L called] great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 [L For] I tell you that ·if you are no more obedient than [L unless your righteousness surpasses/exceeds that of] the ·teachers of the law [scribes] and the Pharisees, you will ·never [or certainly not] enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus Teaches About Anger(D)

21 “You have heard that it was said to ·our people long ago [our ancestors; the ancients], ‘You ·must [L shall] not murder [Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17]. Anyone who murders another will be ·judged [subject to judgment].’ 22 But I tell you, ·if you are [L everyone who is] angry with a brother or sister,[a] you will be ·judged [subject to judgment]. ·If you say [L Whoever says] ·bad things [“Fool!”; L Raca; C an Aramaic term of derision] to a brother or sister, you will be ·judged [subject/liable to judgment] by the ·council [Sanhedrin]. And if you call someone a ·fool [idiot; moron], you will be in danger of the fire of ·hell [L Gehenna; C a valley outside of Jerusalem where in the OT period children were sacrificed to a pagan god; later used as a burning trash heap; a metaphor for hell].

23 “So when you ·offer your gift to God [present your offering/sacrifice] at the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your ·gift [offering; sacrifice] there at the altar. Go and ·make peace [be reconciled] with that person [L first], and then come and ·offer your gift [present your offering/sacrifice].

25 “If your ·enemy [opponent; adversary; accuser] is taking you to court, ·become friends [reach agreement; settle matters] quickly, ·before you go [on the way] to court. Otherwise, your ·enemy [opponent; adversary; accuser] might turn you over to the judge, and the judge might give you to the ·guard [officer; warden] to ·put [throw] you in ·jail [prison]. 26 I tell you the truth, you will ·not [never; certainly not] leave there until you have paid ·everything you owe [the last penny; C Greek: the last quadrans; a small copper coin of very low value].

Jesus Teaches About Sexual Sin(E)

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You ·must [shall] not ·be guilty of [commit] adultery [Ex. 20:14; Deut. 5:18].’ 28 But I tell you that if anyone looks at a woman ·and wants to sin sexually with her [lustfully; L with a desire for her], in his ·mind [heart] he has already ·done that sin [committed adultery] with her. 29 If your right eye causes you to ·sin [L stumble], ·take [tear; gouge] it out and throw it away. [L For] It is better to lose one part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into ·hell [L Gehenna; v. 22]. 30 If your right hand causes you to ·sin [L stumble], cut it off and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into ·hell [L Gehenna; v. 22].

Jesus Teaches About Divorce(F)

31 “It was also said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written divorce ·paper [notice; certificate; Deut. 24:1].’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife ·forces [causes; makes] her ·to be guilty of [commit] adultery. ·The only reason for a man to divorce his wife is if she has sexual relations with another man [L …except in the case of sexual immorality]. And anyone who marries that divorced woman ·is guilty of [commits] adultery.

Make Promises Carefully

33 [L Again] You have heard that it was said to ·our people long ago [our ancestors; the ancients], ‘Don’t break your ·promises [vows; oaths], but ·keep [fulfill] the ·promises [vows; oaths] you make to the Lord [Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21].’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all. ·Don’t swear an oath using the name of heaven [L …neither by heaven], because heaven is God’s throne. 35 ·Don’t swear an oath using the name of the earth [L …nor by earth], because the earth ·belongs to God [L is his footstool; Is. 66:1]. ·Don’t swear an oath using the name of Jerusalem […nor by Jerusalem], because it is the city of the great King [Ps. 48:2]. 36 Don’t even swear by your own head, because you cannot make one hair on your head become white or black. 37 ·Say only yes if you mean yes, and no if you mean no [L Let your word “yes” be “yes”; your “no” be “no”]. ·If you say more than yes or no, it [L Anything more than this] is from the Evil One.

Don’t Retaliate(G)

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21].’ 39 But I tell you, don’t ·stand up against [resist; retaliate against] an evil person. If someone ·slaps [strikes] you on the right cheek [C either an insult or an act of violence], turn to him the other cheek also. 40 If someone wants to sue you in court and take your ·shirt [tunic], let him have your coat also. 41 If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles [C alluding to the practice of impressment, whereby a Roman soldier could command a civilian to carry his gear for a mile]. 42 If a person asks you for something, give it to him. Don’t ·refuse to give to [L turn away from] someone who wants to borrow from you.

Love All People(H)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy [Lev. 19:18].’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who ·hurt [persecute] you.[b] 45 ·If you do this, […so that] you will be ·true children [L children; or sons] of your Father in heaven. [L For] He causes ·the [L his] sun to rise on evil people and on good people, and he sends rain ·to those who do right and to those who do wrong [L on the just/righteous and the unjust/unrighteous]. 46 [L For] If you love only the people who love you, ·you will get no reward [what reward is there for that?]. ·Even [L Don’t even…?] the tax collectors do that. 47 And if you ·are nice only to your friends [L greet only your brothers; C probably meaning fellow Jews], ·you are no better than other people [L what more are you doing (than others)?]. Even ·those who don’t know God [the Gentiles; pagans] ·are nice to their friends [L do the same]. 48 ·So [Therefore] you must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:22 sister Some Greek copies continue, “without a reason.”
  2. Matthew 5:44 you Some Greek copies continue, “Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you.” Compare Luke 6:28.