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

MATTHEW 5:17KJV
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Matthew 5:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:17 mean?

Matthew 5:17 says that Jesus did not come to abolish or get rid of the law or the prophets, but instead came to fulfill them. Jesus is making it clear that his purpose is not to reject or erase the teachings found in the Hebrew Scriptures, but to bring them to their intended completion or true meaning.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during his Sermon on the Mount, addressing concerns that his teachings might be opposed to the Jewish law or the writings of the prophets. By saying he came to "fulfil," Jesus signals that his life and message are deeply connected to what came before, not a break from it. This sets the stage for the rest of his teaching, showing respect for the tradition while also pointing to something new.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:17

  • καταλῦσαι (katalysai, "destroy"): This Greek word is often understood as "to tear down" or "to abolish." Jesus uses it to make clear he is not undermining or discarding the law or the prophets.
  • πληρῶσαι (plērōsai, "fulfil"): The Greek here carries the sense of "to fill up," "to complete," or "to bring to full meaning." Jesus claims his role is to bring the law and the prophets to their full purpose, not just to keep them but to show their deepest intent.

Why Matthew 5:17 matters

  • This verse addresses a common misunderstanding that Jesus was setting aside the Jewish Scriptures; instead, he affirms their ongoing value and purpose.
  • Matthew 5:17 helps explain the relationship between Jesus' teachings and the Old Testament, showing continuity rather than opposition.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus will interpret and deepen the meaning of the law, rather than replace it.

Where else these words appear

“Think” Greek G3543 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
  • Acts 7:25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

“destroy” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
  • Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
  • Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

“fulfil” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?