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.

MATTHEW 5:19KJV
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Matthew 5:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:19 mean?

Matthew 5:19 says that anyone who disregards even the smallest of God’s commandments and encourages others to do the same will be considered least in God’s kingdom, but those who obey and teach these commandments will be considered great. The verse highlights the importance of both personal obedience and teaching others to follow God’s instructions.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing people who are familiar with the Jewish law. He emphasizes that every part of God’s commandments matters, not just the most obvious or important ones. The verse sets up a contrast between those who minimize the commandments and those who uphold and teach them, showing that both actions and influence on others are significant in God’s eyes.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:19

  • The word for “break” (λύω, lyō) means to loosen, dissolve, or set aside. Here, it suggests treating a commandment as unimportant or not binding, not just outright disobeying.
  • The phrase “least commandments” uses ἐλαχίστων (elachistōn), meaning the very smallest or least significant. Jesus is stressing that even what seems minor in God’s law still counts.
  • The word for “teach” (διδάσκω, didaskō) refers to instructing or guiding others. The verse connects personal practice with the responsibility to influence others, not just one’s own behavior.
  • “Kingdom of heaven” (βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν, basileia tōn ouranōn) refers to God’s rule or reign, not just a future place but the present reality of God’s authority among His people.

Why Matthew 5:19 matters

  • Matthew 5:19 clears up the idea that some parts of God’s instructions can be ignored without consequence; even the smallest details are important.
  • The verse shows that teaching and influencing others carries real weight—how one leads others spiritually is as important as personal obedience.
  • This verse connects to the wider Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls for a deep, sincere righteousness that goes beyond surface-level rule-keeping.

Where else these words appear

“least” Greek G1646 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
  • 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

“break” Greek G3089 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
  • Luke 19:33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
  • Acts 27:41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
  • John 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

“these” Greek G5130 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
  • Acts 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.