Matthew 5:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:27 mean?

Matthew 5:27 records Jesus reminding his listeners of the commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” which they had already heard as part of the Jewish law. Jesus is setting up a teaching about the seriousness of adultery, beginning by quoting what was already well known from the Ten Commandments.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience during his Sermon on the Mount. He starts by referencing a commandment that everyone listening would recognize, preparing them for a deeper teaching that follows in the next verse. By doing this, Jesus connects his teaching to the established law, showing respect for its authority before expanding on its meaning.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:27

• “heard” (ἠκούσατε, ēkousate): This word means “you have heard,” and it signals that Jesus is referring to something familiar to his audience, something that was taught or read aloud in their community.
• “said” (ἐρρέθη, errethē): This is often translated as “it was said,” and it points to a traditional teaching or commandment, not just a casual statement.
• “time” (ἀρχαῖος, archaios): This word means “of old” or “ancient,” highlighting that Jesus is referencing a commandment given long ago, connecting his teaching to the longstanding tradition.
• “shalt not” and “adultery” (μοιχεύσεις, moicheuseis): This is the Greek form of the commandment “you shall not commit adultery,” directly quoting the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), making clear that Jesus is referencing the established law.

Why Matthew 5:27 matters

• Matthew 5:27 shows that Jesus is not dismissing the law but is instead building on it, preparing his listeners for a deeper understanding of what it means to be faithful.
• By quoting the commandment, Jesus sets up a contrast between the outward act of adultery and the inward attitudes he will address in the next verses.
• This verse helps readers see how Jesus connects his teaching to the Hebrew Scriptures, showing continuity and respect for what came before.