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Jesus Teaches the People

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a hill and sat down. His followers came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

“They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty,
    for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
They are blessed who grieve,
    for God will comfort them.
They are blessed who are humble,
    for the whole earth will be theirs.
They are blessed who hunger and thirst after justice,
    for they will be satisfied.
They are blessed who show mercy to others,
    for God will show mercy to them.
They are blessed whose thoughts are pure,
    for they will see God.
They are blessed who work for peace,
    for they will be called God’s children.
10 They are blessed who are persecuted for doing good,
    for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

11 “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do, you will be blessed. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.

You Are Like Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and walked on.

14 “You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

The Importance of the Law

17 “Don’t think that I have come to destroy the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets. I have not come to destroy them but to bring about what they said. 18 I tell you the truth, nothing will disappear from the law until heaven and earth are gone. Not even the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will be lost until everything has happened. 19 Whoever refuses to obey any command and teaches other people not to obey that command will be the least important in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys the commands and teaches other people to obey them will be great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 I tell you that if you are no more obedient than the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus Teaches About Anger

21 “You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, ‘You must not murder anyone.[a] Anyone who murders another will be judged.’ 22 But I tell you, if you are angry with a brother or sister,[b] you will be judged. If you say bad things to a brother or sister, you will be judged by the council. And if you call someone a fool, you will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “So when you offer your gift to God at the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar. Go and make peace with that person, and then come and offer your gift.

25 “If your enemy is taking you to court, become friends quickly, before you go to court. Otherwise, your enemy might turn you over to the judge, and the judge might give you to a guard to put you in jail. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not leave there until you have paid everything you owe.

Jesus Teaches About Sexual Sin

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You must not be guilty of adultery.’[c] 28 But I tell you that if anyone looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her, in his mind he has already done that sin with the woman. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, take it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to sin, 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.

Jesus Teaches About Divorce

31 “It was also said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written divorce paper.’[d] 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife forces her to be guilty of adultery. The only reason for a man to divorce his wife is if she has sexual relations with another man. And anyone who marries that divorced woman is guilty of adultery.

Make Promises Carefully

33 “You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, ‘Don’t break your promises, but keep the promises you make to the Lord.’[e] 34 But I tell you, never swear an oath. Don’t swear an oath using the name of heaven, because heaven is God’s throne. 35 Don’t swear an oath using the name of the earth, because the earth belongs to God. Don’t swear an oath using the name of Jerusalem, because that is the city of the great King. 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. If you say more than yes or no, it is from the Evil One.

Don’t Fight Back

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you, don’t stand up against an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also. 40 If someone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41 If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. 42 If a person asks you for something, give it to him. Don’t refuse to give to someone who wants to borrow from you.

Love All People

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[g] and hate your enemies.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you.[h] 45 If you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on good people and on evil people, and he sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. 46 If you love only the people who love you, you will get no reward. Even the tax collectors do that. 47 And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than other people. Even those who don’t know God are nice to their friends. 48 So you must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Footnotes

  1. 5:21 You . . . anyone.’ Quotation from Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17.
  2. 5:22 sister Some Greek copies continue, “without a reason.”
  3. 5:27 ‘You . . . adultery.’ Quotation from Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18.
  4. 5:31 ‘Anyone . . . divorce paper.’ Quotation from Deuteronomy 24:1.
  5. 5:33 ‘Don’t . . . Lord.’ This refers to Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21.
  6. 5:38 ‘An eye . . . tooth.’ Quotation from Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21.
  7. 5:43 ‘Love your neighbor’ Quotation from Leviticus 19:18.
  8. 5:44 you Some Greek copies continue, “Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you.” Compare Luke 6:28.

The Beatitudes(A)

And seeing the multitudes, (B)He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and (C)taught them, saying:

“Blessed(D) are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(E)Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
(F)Blessed are the meek,
For (G)they shall inherit the [a]earth.
Blessed are those who (H)hunger and thirst for righteousness,
(I)For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
(J)For they shall obtain mercy.
(K)Blessed are the pure in heart,
For (L)they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 (M)Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 (N)Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of (O)evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 (P)Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for (Q)so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Believers Are Salt and Light(R)

13 “You are the salt of the earth; (S)but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 (T)“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they (U)light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, (V)that they may see your good works and (W)glorify your Father in heaven.

Christ Fulfills the Law

17 (X)“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, (Y)till heaven and earth pass away, one [b]jot or one [c]tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 (Z)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 (AA)the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder Begins in the Heart(AB)

21 “You have heard that it was said to those [d]of old, (AC)‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that (AD)whoever is angry with his brother [e]without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, (AE)‘Raca!’[f] shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, [g]‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of [h]hell fire. 23 Therefore (AF)if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 (AG)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 (AH)Agree with your adversary quickly, (AI)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 [i]to those of old, (AJ)‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever (AK)looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 (AL)If your right eye causes you to [j]sin, (AM)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. 30 And if your right hand causes you to [k]sin, cut it off 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.

Marriage Is Sacred and Binding(AN)

31 “Furthermore it has been said, (AO)‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that (AP)whoever divorces his wife for any reason except [l]sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Jesus Forbids Oaths

33 “Again you have heard that (AQ)it was said to those of [m]old, (AR)‘You shall not swear falsely, but (AS)shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, (AT)do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is (AU)God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of (AV)the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 (AW)But let [n]your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Go the Second Mile(AX)

38 “You have heard that it was said, (AY)‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 (AZ)But I tell you not to resist an evil person. (BA)But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever (BB)compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and (BC)from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Love Your Enemies(BD)

43 “You have heard that it was said, (BE)‘You shall love your neighbor (BF)and hate your enemy.’ 44 [o]But I say to you, (BG)love your enemies, bless those who curse you, (BH)do good to those who hate you, and pray (BI)for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for (BJ)He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 (BK)For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your [p]brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the [q]tax collectors do so? 48 (BL)Therefore you shall be perfect, just (BM)as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:5 Or land
  2. Matthew 5:18 Gr. iota, Heb. yod, the smallest letter
  3. Matthew 5:18 The smallest stroke in a Heb. letter
  4. Matthew 5:21 in ancient times
  5. Matthew 5:22 NU omits without a cause
  6. Matthew 5:22 Lit., in Aram., Empty head
  7. Matthew 5:22 Gr. More
  8. Matthew 5:22 Gr. Gehenna
  9. Matthew 5:27 NU, M omit to those of old
  10. Matthew 5:29 Lit. stumble or offend
  11. Matthew 5:30 Lit. stumble or offend
  12. Matthew 5:32 Or fornication
  13. Matthew 5:33 ancient times
  14. Matthew 5:37 Lit. your word be yes yes
  15. Matthew 5:44 NU But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
  16. Matthew 5:47 M friends
  17. Matthew 5:47 NU Gentiles

Bendiciones

Cuando Jesús vio a tanta gente, subió a una montaña y se sentó.[a] Los discípulos se le acercaron, y él comenzó a enseñarles:

«Dios bendice a los que confían
totalmente en él,
pues ellos forman parte de su reino.
Dios bendice a los que sufren,
pues él los consolará.
Dios bendice a los humildes,
pues ellos recibirán la tierra prometida.
Dios bendice a los que desean la justicia,
pues él les cumplirá su deseo.
Dios bendice a los que son compasivos,
pues él será compasivo con ellos.
Dios bendice a los que tienen
un corazón puro,
pues ellos verán a Dios.
Dios bendice a los que trabajan
para que haya paz en el mundo,
pues ellos serán llamados hijos de Dios.
10 Dios bendice a los que son maltratados
por practicar la justicia,
pues ellos forman parte de su reino.

11-12 »Dios los bendecirá a ustedes cuando, por causa mía, la gente los maltrate y diga mentiras contra ustedes. ¡Alégrense! ¡Pónganse contentos! Porque van a recibir un gran premio en el cielo. Así maltrataron también a los profetas que vivieron antes que ustedes.

La sal y la luz del mundo

13 »Ustedes son como la sal que se pone en el horno de barro para aumentar su calor. Si la sal pierde esa capacidad, ya no sirve para nada, sino para que la tiren a la calle y la gente la pisotee.[b]

14 »Ustedes son como una luz que ilumina a todos. Son como una ciudad construida en la parte más alta de un cerro y que todos pueden ver. 15 Nadie enciende una lámpara para meterla debajo de un cajón. Todo lo contrario: la pone en un lugar alto para que alumbre a todos los que están en la casa. 16 De la misma manera, la conducta de ustedes debe ser como una luz que ilumine y muestre cómo se obedece a Dios. Hagan buenas acciones. Así los demás las verán y alabarán a Dios, el Padre de ustedes que está en el cielo.

La ley y los profetas

17 »No crean que vine a quitar la ley ni a decir que la enseñanza de los profetas ya no vale. Al contrario: vine a darles su verdadero valor. 18 Yo les aseguro que mientras existan el cielo y la tierra, ni siquiera un punto o una coma se quitará de la ley, hasta que todo se cumpla. 19 Por eso, si alguien no obedece uno solo de los mandatos de Dios, aun el menos importante, será la persona menos importante en el reino de Dios. Lo mismo le sucederá al que enseñe a otros a desobedecer. Pero el que obedezca los mandamientos y enseñe a otros a obedecerlos, será muy importante en el reino de Dios. 20 Yo les aseguro que si ustedes no son más obedientes que los fariseos y los maestros de la Ley, nunca entrarán en el reino de Dios.

El enojo

21 »Recuerden que hace mucho tiempo Moisés dijo: “No maten, pues si alguien mata a otro, será castigado”. 22 Pero ahora yo les aseguro que cualquiera que se enoje con otro tendrá que ir a juicio. Cualquiera que insulte a otro será llevado a los tribunales. Y el que maldiga a otro será echado en el fuego del infierno.

23 »Por eso, si llevas al altar del templo una ofrenda para Dios, y allí te acuerdas de que alguien está enojado contigo, 24 deja la ofrenda delante del altar, ve de inmediato a reconciliarte con esa persona, y después de eso regresa a presentar tu ofrenda a Dios.

25 »Si alguien te acusa de haberle hecho algo malo, arregla el problema con esa persona antes de que te entregue al juez. Si no, el juez le ordenará a un policía que te lleve a la cárcel. 26 Te aseguro que no saldrás de allí sin que antes pagues hasta la última moneda que debas.

El matrimonio

27 »Moisés también dijo: “No sean infieles en su matrimonio”. 28 Pero ahora yo les aseguro que si un hombre mira a otra mujer con el deseo de tener relaciones sexuales con ella, ya fue infiel en su corazón.

29 »Si lo que ves con tu ojo derecho te hace desobedecer a Dios, es mejor que te lo saques y lo tires lejos. Es preferible que pierdas una parte del cuerpo y no que todo tu cuerpo sea arrojado al infierno. 30 Si lo que haces con tu mano derecha te hace desobedecer, es mejor que te la cortes y la tires lejos. Es preferible que pierdas una parte de tu cuerpo y no que todo tu cuerpo se vaya al infierno.

El divorcio

31 »También hace mucho tiempo Moisés dijo: “Si alguno ya no quiere vivir casado con su mujer, déle un certificado de divorcio”. 32 Pero ahora yo les digo que el hombre sólo puede divorciarse si su esposa tiene relaciones sexuales con otro hombre. Si se divorcia de su esposa por otra razón, la pone en peligro de cometer ese mismo pecado. Si esa mujer vuelve a casarse, tanto ella como su nuevo esposo serán culpables de adulterio.

Las promesas

33 »En ese mismo tiempo, Moisés también enseñó: “No usen el nombre de Dios para prometer lo que no van a cumplir”. 34 Pero ahora yo les digo a ustedes que, cuando prometan algo, no hagan ningún juramento. No juren por el cielo, porque es el trono de Dios, 35 ni juren por la tierra, porque Dios gobierna sobre ella. Tampoco juren por Jerusalén, pues esta ciudad pertenece a Dios, el gran Rey. 36 Nunca juren por su vida, porque ustedes no son dueños de ella. 37 Si van a hacer algo digan que sí, y si no lo van a hacer digan que no. Todo lo que digan de más viene del diablo.

La venganza

38 »Otra de las enseñanzas de Moisés fue ésta: “Si alguien le saca un ojo a otro, también a él se le sacará un ojo; si le rompe un diente, también a él se le romperá otro.” 39 Pero ahora yo les digo: “No traten de vengarse de quien les hace daño. Si alguien les da una bofetada en la mejilla derecha, pídanle que les pegue también en la izquierda. 40 Si alguien los acusa ante un juez y quiere quitarles la camisa, denle también el abrigo. 41 Si un soldado los obliga a llevar una carga por un kilómetro, llévenla dos kilómetros. 42 A quien les pida algo, dénselo, y a quien les pida prestado, préstenle.”

Amar a los enemigos

43 »Ésta es otra orden que dio Moisés hace muchísimo tiempo: “Amen a su prójimo y odien a su enemigo”. 44 Pero ahora yo les digo: Amen a sus enemigos y oren por quienes los maltratan. 45 Así demostrarán que actúan como su Padre Dios, que está en el cielo. Él es quien hace que salga el sol sobre los buenos y sobre los malos. Él es quien manda la lluvia para el bien de los que lo obedecen y de los que no lo obedecen.

46 »Si ustedes aman sólo a quienes los aman, Dios no los va a bendecir por eso. Recuerden que hasta los que cobran impuestos para Roma también aman a sus amigos. 47 Si saludan sólo a sus amigos, no hacen nada extraordinario. ¡Hasta los que no creen en Dios hacen eso!

48 »Ustedes deben ser perfectos como Dios, su Padre que está en el cielo,[c] es perfecto.

Footnotes

  1. Mateo 5:1 Se sentó: En la época de Jesús, los maestros acostumbraban sentarse para enseñar.
  2. Mateo 5:13 En aquella época, la sal en trozos se colocaba como piso en los hornos para aumentar rápidamente su calor, y se mezclaba con estiércol para fabricar combustible. También servía como abono para las plantas.
  3. Mateo 5:48 Esta petición de Jesús resume todo lo que él ha enseñado en 5.17-48.