“Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:”– Matthew 5:27 (KJV)
“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.'” – Matthew 5:27 (NLT)
“You know the commandments. Don’t go around blabbing about other people’s faults.” – Matthew 5:27 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 5:27 Mean?
This verse is one of the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus explains the true meaning of the law. The phrase “You have heard that it was said” indicates that Jesus is referencing the law that was previously given, reminding everyone of its importance. Yet, He does not stop with just the law; instead, He expands upon it. This shows us that while the law was important, Jesus desires us to seek deeper understanding and righteousness.
The main focus of this specific commandment is adultery, which is ultimately about faithfulness. In biblical terms, adultery is not just about the physical act but also about the intentions and thoughts of our hearts. Jesus points out that even looking at someone with lust is a form of adultery in our hearts. This sets a standard that goes beyond mere actions. It requires us to reflect on our thoughts and desires.
Matthew 5:27 Explanation and Commentary
Let’s consider the implications of this teaching. When Jesus mentions adultery, He is addressing a serious issue that undermines the sanctity of marriage and relationships. In a world where fidelity is often tested by temptation, Jesus calls us to maintain purity, not just in behavior but in our thoughts. By doing so, we honor God, our relationships, and ourselves.
We often hear, “actions speak louder than words,” but Jesus is saying that our thoughts are significant too. He’s indicating that when lustful thoughts arise, they can lead us down a dangerous path, potentially resulting in action. Thus, we need to address these thoughts before they grow into sinful actions. This reminds us that fighting against temptation starts in the mind.
Consider Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. By keeping our minds centered on God and His goodness, we can combat temptation effectively.
Ultimately, Jesus’ words are not meant to shame us but to inspire us to pursue holiness. They reveal God’s desire for our lives to reflect His character. We have the opportunity to seek the Spirit’s help in shining light on our hearts, which leads us to spiritual growth.
Context of Matthew 5:27
To grasp the full meaning of Matthew 5:27, we must look at its context within the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon spans multiple chapters in Matthew, where Jesus presents His view of the law and expectations for His followers. In this revolutionary teaching, Jesus emphasizes the heart of the law rather than just physical obedience. He sets a higher moral standard for His disciples.
The surrounding verses elaborate on other commandments and reflect the continual call to righteousness. By highlighting principles rather than mere obedience, Jesus reveals that God is concerned about our motives alongside our actions. For instance, in Matthew 5:21, He discusses anger equating it with murder, which shows that internal attitudes matter just as much as external behavior.
Moreover, this context reflects a deep relational dynamic in which God desires His followers to cultivate a sincere heart towards Him and others. We are invited to step into a more profound relationship, which encourages us to remain faithful and devoted. This call to integrity in thought and deed can be challenging, yet it aligns us with God’s will.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 5:27
When we break down Matthew 5:27, we see several important components. First, we recognize the commandment: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” This highlights the seriousness of maintaining fidelity, not just in marriage, but also in our spiritual commitments to God.
Next, we focus on how Jesus expands the definition of adultery. It’s no longer limited to a physical act but extends to the eyes and heart. Lustful gazes illustrate how our thoughts have the power to influence our actions. Thus, God desires our hearts to be pure and undivided.
Lastly, we notice the deeper implications of this teaching. If we are attentive to our thoughts and desires, we are better equipped to resist temptation that may lead us astray. Jesus empowers us to be proactive in our faith, guiding us to seek purity and holiness in all aspects of our lives.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 5:27
This passage teaches us several valuable lessons. For one, it emphasizes the importance of integrity, both outward and inward. Jesus invites us to reflect on our thoughts and motivations to ensure they align with His will. Adultery represents a betrayal, whether in personal relationships or our commitment to God, reminding us to value faithfulness in every aspect of our lives.
We learn that temptation is a battle when it arises within our hearts. By focusing on purity and seeking God, we can effectively combat these urges. Like it says in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This encourages us to fight against temptation with the power of God.
Additionally, this verse prompts us to support each other in our struggles. We can share our struggles, motivations, and dreams, encouraging one another to choose paths of righteousness. As a community, we are stronger together and can uplift one another in the pursuit of holiness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 5:27 is more than just a commandment; it is a heartfelt call to pursue integrity and faithfulness. Let us be mindful that our thoughts carry weight and can lead us to actions. Through prayer and accountability, we can combat temptation effectively and focus our hearts and minds on righteousness.
We are continually invited to deepen our relationship with God, turning to Him for strength in moments of weakness. By embracing the call to purity in both our actions and our thoughts, we honor our commitments, ourselves, and our Creator. May we strive to keep our hearts aligned with God and accompany one another on this journey of faith, building each other up as we seek Him.
If you would like to explore more topics, feel free to check out Matthew 11 or Genesis 18. There’s always something new to learn from the Scriptures!