What does Matthew 5:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 5:21 is a verse from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus is addressing His disciples and a crowd of followers.

In this verse, Jesus recalls a commandment from the Old Testament law that forbids murder (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17), emphasizing its importance and the severe consequences of killing someone.

However, Jesus is not merely reiterating the letter of the law; He is expanding on its meaning, pointing towards a deeper, moral understanding.

He asserts that it's not only the act of murder that's dangerous but also the anger in one's heart that leads to such acts, which could subject a person to divine judgement.

Historical Context

During the time when Jesus delivered this message, Jewish society was governed by laws that were written in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament).

The religious leaders of the time, mainly Pharisees and scribes, strictly interpreted these laws and often emphasized literal adherence rather than the moral spirit behind them. Jesus challenged these teachings by suggesting that righteousness goes beyond mere outward obedience to laws.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Jesus' expansion on the Old Testament law serves as an example of His teaching that internal righteousness is as important as external observance.

While the Pharisees emphasized the outward following of the law, Jesus taught that God's concern is also with the inner person.

This verse hints at the coming shift from the old covenant of law to the new covenant of grace, where a transformation of the heart is central.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages individuals to cultivate patience and self-control, urging them to address anger and resentment before they lead to harmful actions. It's a call to reconcile with others and handle conflicts peacefully.

The verse teaches that one must seek to resolve issues with compassion, rather than allowing negative feelings to grow and potentially result in sin.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:13: "Thou shalt not kill."
• Deuteronomy 5:17: "Thou shalt not kill."
• James 1:20: "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
• 1 John 3:15: "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him."

Language Study

The key word in Matthew 5:21 is "kill" (φονεύσεις, phoneuseis, in Greek), which is a direct reference to the act of taking another person's life.

In the context of the Old Testament commandment, it refers specifically to murder (the unlawful taking of life), as opposed to killing in war or capital punishment, which were treated differently under Mosaic Law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In looking at other ancient legal codes, like the Code of Hammurabi, it is notable that such laws often prescribed severe physical punishment for murder.

Jewish law too prescribed capital punishment for murder.

However, Jesus' expansion on the law introduced a significant contrast to these ancient practices by emphasizing internal morality and reconciliation, rather than just external penalty.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, one might consider the psychological and sociological effects of harboring anger, which can lead to violence.

Studies in psychology affirm that unresolved anger can be detrimental to personal well-being and to society at large.

In this sense, the verse aligns with modern understandings of the importance of addressing internal emotional states to prevent destructive behaviors.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various perspectives on Matthew 5:21.

Some focus on the revolutionary way in which Jesus expanded the interpretation of the law, while others highlight the sermon as a teaching on the righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and scribes (Matthew 5:20).

There is also discussion around the legalistic versus the heart-oriented approach to the laws of the Old Testament as demonstrated by Jesus' teaching in this passage.