New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 5:27

The Sermon on the Mount

You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ Matthew 5:27 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 5:27, in plain English

You've heard the commandment: don't commit adultery. Everyone knows that rule. But Jesus is about to go beneath the surface again.

Why it's here

Just like with murder, the religious leaders thought they had this one covered. Jesus is about to show them how deep faithfulness really goes.

Who's speaking

Jesus introduces the second 'You have heard... but I say' teaching.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus consistently refuses to let us hide behind outward behavior. He always goes to the heart.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

The second antithesis begins with the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14). Jesus will again trace the external prohibition to its internal root.

Language and setting

Adultery in Jewish law was defined narrowly as sexual intercourse with a married woman. Jesus is about to radically expand this definition.

Voice

Jesus, introducing the second antithesis.

Significance

Following the same pattern as the first antithesis, Jesus moves from external action to internal disposition.

In context

Matthew 5:25–29

25Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

26Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

27You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’

28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Read all of Matthew 5 — Jesus turns the world's values upside down. The blessed aren't the powerful — they're the poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek.

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