Matthew 5:21
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃς
whosoever
G3739
ὃς
whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:17Thou shalt not kill.Exodus 20:13Thou shalt not kill.Matthew 5:38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:Matthew 5:27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:Matthew 5:33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:Numbers 35:12And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.Matthew 5:43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Historical Context
The Sixth Commandment prohibited murder, and Jewish courts could execute murderers. However, the religious system focused on the act itself, often missing the heart attitudes that led to violence. Jesus refocuses attention on the source of sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does unresolved anger function as 'heart murder' even without physical violence?
- What anger are you harboring that needs to be confessed and resolved?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus begins six antitheses contrasting superficial interpretations of the Law with His authoritative explanation. Murder was rightly condemned, but Jesus exposes the root sin: sinful anger. The Law addressed external actions; Jesus addresses internal attitudes that produce those actions.