Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

MATTHEW 5:27KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“shalt” Greek G3431 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 16:18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
  • Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

“time” Greek G744 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 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:
  • 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:)