Matthew 5:27

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

This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He expounds upon the moral principles of the Law and provides a deeper understanding of God’s expectations for His people. In this specific passage, Jesus addresses the seventh commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” found in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18).

When Jesus begins by saying, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,” He refers to the teachings and interpretations of the religious leaders of that time. The Pharisees and teachers of the law emphasized the outward compliance with the commandments, focusing on the literal act of adultery. However, Jesus goes beyond the surface meaning to address the heart and intent behind the commandment.

In the subsequent verses (Matthew 5:28-30), Jesus elaborates on the true intent of the commandment against adultery:

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”

In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of purity of heart and mind, highlighting that lustful thoughts and intentions are just as sinful as the physical act of adultery. He brings attention to the fact that the commandments of God address not only external actions but also the internal thoughts and desires that precede them.

By emphasizing the seriousness of inward sins, Jesus teaches that our obedience to God’s commandments must extend beyond mere external conformity. He calls for integrity in every aspect of life, urging His followers to guard their thoughts and desires, as they directly influence our actions and ultimately our character.

Additionally, Jesus employs strong language, using hyperbolic expressions of plucking out the eye or cutting off the hand to emphasize the need for radical measures to avoid sin. While not literal instructions, these phrases convey the seriousness of sin and the need for drastic action to prevent it.

In summary, Matthew 5:27 reminds us that obedience to God’s commandments involves more than just outward actions. Jesus emphasizes the importance of purity of heart and mind, warning against the sin of lustful thoughts and desires. He calls for believers to strive for integrity and righteousness in every aspect of their lives, recognizing that true obedience begins in the heart.

This verse serves as a reminder that as followers of Christ, our focus should not only be on adhering to the letter of the law but also on cultivating a heart that is pleasing to God.