Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Whosoever
G3739
ὃς
Whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 36
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 36
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 36
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐντολῶν
commandments
G1785
ἐντολῶν
commandments
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
7 of 36
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλάχιστος
least
G1646
ἐλάχιστος
least
Strong's:
G1646
Word #:
10 of 36
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλάχιστος
least
G1646
ἐλάχιστος
least
Strong's:
G1646
Word #:
16 of 36
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
κληθήσεται
he shall be called
G2564
κληθήσεται
he shall be called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
17 of 36
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
20 of 36
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
22 of 36
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὃς
Whosoever
G3739
ὃς
Whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
23 of 36
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ποιήσῃ
shall do
G4160
ποιήσῃ
shall do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
26 of 36
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτος
them the same
G3778
οὗτος
them the same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
29 of 36
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μέγας
great
G3173
μέγας
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
30 of 36
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
κληθήσεται
he shall be called
G2564
κληθήσεται
he shall be called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
31 of 36
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
33 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
34 of 36
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Matthew 11:11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.Psalms 119:128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.Psalms 119:6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.Titus 3:8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.Revelation 2:20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.Romans 6:15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.Romans 6:1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Historical Context
Jewish teachers debated which commandments were 'heavy' (important) and 'light' (less important). Some used this distinction to minimize certain laws. Jesus rejects this selective obedience and affirms all of God's revelation matters.
Questions for Reflection
- Which of God's commands are you tempted to consider 'small' or optional?
- How does obedience to Scripture's 'least' commands demonstrate love for God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus affirms the permanent authority of God's Law while warning against antinomianism. Breaking even 'least commandments' and teaching others to do so results in diminished status in the Kingdom. Greatness comes through obedience and faithful teaching, not through grace that ignores holiness.