Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
MATTHEW 5:17KJVWhat 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.