What does Matthew 5:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 5:17 is a verse found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible within a section known as the Sermon on the Mount.

This passage features Jesus addressing his followers and speaking about the Law, which in this context refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

When Jesus refers to "the prophets," he is speaking about the books of the Hebrew Bible traditionally ascribed to prophetical authors.

In this verse, Jesus is emphasizing that his purpose is not to do away with or invalidate the Law and the teachings of the prophets but instead to bring their teachings to completion or perfect fulfillment.

The literal meaning is clear: Jesus is presenting himself not as an opponent to the Law, but as its fulfiller.

In a deeper sense, some interpret this to mean that he would embody the Law perfectly in his actions and teachings, bringing out its true purpose and revealing its ultimate meaning.

Historical Context

The historical context of Matthew 5:17 is in first-century Palestine, where various Jewish groups had differing interpretations of the Torah. Jesus was addressing a Jewish audience who were under Roman occupation and were seeking deliverance and clarity regarding their religious practices.

One of the critical issues in Jesus’ time was how strictly the Law of Moses should be interpreted and lived out.

The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their meticulous adherence to the Law and its oral tradition.

In this setting, some may have feared that the new teachings of Jesus could lead to the abandonment of the traditional Jewish Law.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, there are several interpretations of this verse.

Traditional Christian theology posits that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law in that through his life, death, and resurrection, he accomplishes what the Law and prophets pointed towards.

This concept is central to Pauline theology where the Law served as a tutor to lead to Christ.

Some Christian theologies emphasize that through Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law, a new covenant is established where adherence to the spirit of the Law is prioritized over the letter of the Law.

A more conservative interpretation holds that the moral laws of the Old Testament remain fully in effect and that Jesus' teachings reinforce these laws.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical applications, Matthew 5:17 encourages believers to respect the foundations of their faith traditions while also understanding the transformative power of Jesus' teachings.

It implies that one should not disregard past wisdom but seek its fulfillment and deeper understanding through the lens of the life and teachings of Jesus.

In daily life, this means valuing the continuity of spiritual and moral principles while also being open to a fresh relationship with those principles as they are interpreted in light of Jesus' actions and teachings.

Cross-References

• Romans 10:4: “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
• Luke 24:44: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”
• Romans 3:31: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words like "fulfil" (πληρῶσαι - plērōsai) carry rich meaning.

The word "πληρῶσαι" is interpreted as to complete or accomplish something by fully meeting its intended purpose.

It implies bringing something to its consummation or realizing its potential fully.

This word choice indicates not merely the continuation but the perfecting or bringing to a higher level of the intentions behind the Law and prophets.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the context of other ancient cultures and religions, there are often figures who serve as fulfillers of a deity's law or will.

However, what sets Jesus apart in Christian belief is the idea that he is not just a prophet or teacher but God incarnate, uniquely fulfilling the divine Law in a personal and transformative way.

Comparatively, in some traditions, such as Buddhism, there is the notion of a figure like the Bodhisattva who fulfills a path to enlightenment and aids others in doing the same, which may loosely parallel discussions around fulfillment and embodiment of a spiritual path.

Scientific Perspectives

Matthew 5:17 doesn't directly intersect with scientific understandings as it deals with faith-based theological concepts.

However, modern disciplines like psychology and sociology might explore belief structures around law and fulfillment, and how they influence ethical and communal behavior in religious contexts.

commentaries

Commentators from various theological backgrounds offer insights into Matthew 5:17. For instance, John Calvin comments on the reverence that Jesus shows for the Law and how he completes it with his teaching, implying that the gospel is not at odds with the Law, but rather deeply connected to it.

Matthew Henry’s commentary adds that Jesus fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament along with the precepts of the Law, suggesting that Christ's mission is in direct continuity with Jewish scripture.

Contemporarily, scholars like N.T.

Wright discuss how Jesus fulfills the covenantal promises made to Israel and how the Law is understood in light of Jesus' kingdom announcement.