Matthew Chapter 5 · Verse 17

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Original Language Analysis

Μὴ not G3361
Μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 1 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
νομίσητε Think G3543
νομίσητε Think
Strong's: G3543
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 3 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἦλθον I am G2064
ἦλθον I am
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 4 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καταλῦσαι to destroy G2647
καταλῦσαι to destroy
Strong's: G2647
Word #: 5 of 15
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον the law G3551
νόμον the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 7 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἢ or G2228
ἢ or
Strong's: G2228
Word #: 8 of 15
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτας· the prophets G4396
προφήτας· the prophets
Strong's: G4396
Word #: 10 of 15
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
οὐκ not G3756
οὐκ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 11 of 15
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἦλθον I am G2064
ἦλθον I am
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 12 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καταλῦσαι to destroy G2647
καταλῦσαι to destroy
Strong's: G2647
Word #: 13 of 15
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 14 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πληρῶσαι to fulfil G4137
πληρῶσαι to fulfil
Strong's: G4137
Word #: 15 of 15
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

Analysis & Commentary

This verse stands as a pivotal declaration in the Sermon on the Mount, addressing concerns that Jesus' ministry contradicts the Old Testament. The Greek word 'kataluo' (καταλύω) means to destroy, dismantle, or abolish. Jesus emphatically denies this intention. Instead, He came to 'fulfill' (πληρόω/plerosai) the Law and Prophets—to complete, accomplish, and bring to full expression. This fulfillment operates on multiple levels:

  1. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Law's demands
  2. He accomplished the prophetic promises pointing to Messiah,
  3. He revealed the Law's deepest meaning and intent.

Far from abolishing Scripture, Jesus establishes it on firmer ground by embodying its righteousness and explaining its true spiritual significance.

Historical Context

First-century Judaism held Scripture (Torah and Prophets) in highest reverence. Pharisees and scribes meticulously preserved and interpreted the Law. When Jesus challenged their traditions (Mark 7:1-13) and reinterpreted Sabbath law (Matthew 12:1-8), religious leaders accused Him of undermining Scripture. This context makes Jesus' clarification crucial—He honors Scripture's authority while exposing how traditions had obscured its true meaning. Early Christians, many from Jewish backgrounds, needed this teaching to understand continuity between Old and New Covenants.

Questions for Reflection