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:

MATTHEW 5:21KJV
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Matthew 5:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:21 mean?

Matthew 5:21 records Jesus reminding His listeners that they have heard the ancient commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” and that anyone who commits murder is subject to judgment. Jesus is beginning to address how people have understood and applied this commandment in their lives.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience during the Sermon on the Mount. He refers to the teaching passed down from earlier generations, quoting the commandment against murder found in the Law of Moses. By mentioning “judgment,” Jesus points to the legal and moral consequences that were expected for such an act in their society.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:21

  • ἀκούω (akouō, G191) — “heard”: This word means more than just hearing sounds; it often implies paying attention or receiving instruction, highlighting that Jesus’ audience is familiar with this teaching as a foundational part of their tradition.
  • φονεύω (phoneuō, G5407) — “kill”: This Greek word specifically refers to murder, not just any kind of killing. It points to intentional, unlawful killing, which is what the original commandment addresses.
  • κρίσις (krisis, G2920) — “judgment”: This word refers to a legal judgment or decision, suggesting formal consequences, not just personal disapproval. It shows that murder was seen as a serious crime with real penalties.

Why Matthew 5:21 matters

  • Matthew 5:21 sets up a contrast between the traditional understanding of the law and the deeper meaning Jesus will explain in the following verses.
  • This verse clarifies that the commandment addresses intentional murder, not all forms of killing, which helps avoid confusion about what the law originally meant.
  • By referencing “judgment,” Jesus points to the seriousness of the offense and prepares His listeners for a broader discussion about the true intent behind God’s commandments.

Where else these words appear

“danger” Greek G1777 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

“shalt” Greek G5407 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

“time” Greek G744 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
  • Luke 9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

“said” Greek G4483 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Matthew 5:33 Again, 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:
  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)