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:
Matthew 5:21 (KJV)
Context
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His disciples about the true meaning and application of the law. He contrasts the teachings they have heard from the religious leaders with His own interpretation. The phrase “by them of old time” points back to the generations of the past, and the command itself is a direct reference to the sixth commandment given by God to Moses.
Meaning
Jesus begins by referring to the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” The Greek word translated “kill” is phoneuseis, which specifically means to murder. This is a straightforward prohibition against unjustly taking someone’s life. The second half of the verse reflects the legal consequence of murder under the law: the murderer was liable to judgment. Jesus is not merely quoting Scripture; He is summarizing the traditional understanding of the commandment as it was taught and explained by the religious leaders of the past.
Jesus goes beyond the external act of murder and addresses the underlying attitudes and thoughts that can lead to murder. He says in the following verses:
Verse 22: “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Jesus emphasizes the importance of dealing with anger and resolving conflicts in a righteous manner.
Verse 22: “And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council.” Raca was an Aramaic term of contempt, implying foolishness or worthlessness. Jesus warns against insulting others with derogatory language.
Verse 22: “But whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Calling someone a “fool” carries a sense of moral judgment and condemnation. Jesus teaches the significance of avoiding slander and harmful words.
Jesus highlights the significance of personal responsibility in our actions, attitudes, and speech. He emphasizes that even the thoughts and words we express towards others can have serious consequences. This teaching is founded on the principle of love. He challenges His disciples to not only avoid outward acts of violence but also to cultivate love, reconciliation, and forgiveness. In verses 23-24, He instructs them to reconcile with others before offering their gifts at the altar.
Through these teachings, Jesus reveals that He is not abolishing the Law but rather fulfilling its true meaning. He brings a deeper understanding of the commandments and teaches the importance of inward transformation. The focus is on the external act of murder and its civil and legal penalty, which Jesus then expands to include internal attitudes.
Application
Recognize the importance of controlling our anger and resolving conflicts in a righteous manner.
Avoid using derogatory language or insulting others with harmful words.
Cultivate an attitude of love, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
Understand that our words and thoughts have consequences and should be aligned with God’s principles.
Seek to understand Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and His call for inward transformation.
Remember, studying the Bible is a continuous process, and it is always beneficial to read the surrounding verses and explore different translations and commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
