What does Matthew 5:27 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 5:27 is a verse found within the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.

In this passage, Jesus is addressing the crowd and his disciples and is referencing the Old Testament commandment against adultery, which is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

The literal meaning is clear: one should not engage in sexual relations with someone who is not their spouse.

However, beyond the literal interpretation, Jesus is expanding upon the commandment by addressing the issue of lust in the heart.

He is challenging his followers to understand that sin does not begin with the act of adultery itself but with the desires and intentions that precede it.

By doing so, he is amplifying the commandment to include not just actions but also thoughts and intentions.

Historical Context

The verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, which is a collection of teachings and sayings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5 through 7.

This sermon outlines the moral principles that would set apart the behavior of the kingdom of Heaven from that of contemporary Jewish law.

During this period, Jewish law was detailed and strict, centered around the observance of the Torah.

Adultery was considered a serious offense that could result in severe penalties.

By framing his message in relation to a well-known commandment, Jesus was speaking into a context where his audience understood the gravity of the sin and could appreciate the heightened moral expectation he was introducing.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret this verse in various ways.

Traditional Christian theology sees it as an endorsement for the higher righteousness expected from believers, emphasizing the importance of purity in thought and not just in deed.

The Catholic Church, for example, cites this verse when discussing the topic of chastity and the importance of overcoming lustful thoughts.

On the other hand, some theological viewpoints might stress the impracticality of such a high standard, arguing it shows the need for grace and the understanding that humans without divine assistance, cannot achieve such moral perfection.

This aligns with Protestant views on the justification by faith and the need for forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice.

Moreover, liberation theology may interpret this passage as a call to faithfulness in broader relationships, not only between marriage partners but also in terms of social justice and faithfulness to God's intention for humanity.

Practical Applications

Matthew 5:27 can be applied practically in several ways.

It challenges individuals to examine their thoughts and motives and to maintain mental and emotional fidelity, not just physical.

This principle can also extend into the realm of media consumption, encouraging discernment about what is absorbed through visuals, ensuring it doesn't incline a person towards lustful thinking.

Furthermore, it promotes discussions on the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in relationships with individuals other than a spouse.

The verse inspires conversations on marital faithfulness and the sanctity of the marriage covenant.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:14: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
• Proverbs 6:32: "But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."
• James 1:14-15: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

• 1 Corinthians 6:18-20: "Flee fornication.

Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body."

• Matthew 15:19: "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word used for "commit adultery" is "μοιχεύσεις" (moicheuseis), which is a verb that directly refers to the act of being unfaithful in a marital context.

The statement poses adultery not only as a physical act but implicates the intentions and thoughts leading up to that act.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Jewish culture, adultery was uniformly condemned and seen as a violation of the marriage contract. This is similar in Islamic teachings, where adultery is also strictly prohibited and considered a sin.

Many other ancient cultures had various laws and norms regarding marital fidelity, and in most cases, they treated it as a significant breach of social and religious values.

However, what is unique in Jesus’ teaching is the inward focus, extending the concept of fidelity to thoughts and emotions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the understanding of thoughts and desires as precursors to actions is supported by psychological studies on human behavior.

Psychologists would affirm that desire and intent play a crucial role in governing human actions, and therefore managing these internal processes can affect behavior, including the potential for committing adultery.

Commentaries

Established biblical commentators offer different insights on this verse.

For instance, Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the seriousness of indulging in impure thoughts, aligning closely with traditional Christian interpretations.

On the other hand, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges suggests that Jesus is contrasting the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees with the deeper, more spiritual righteousness He requires.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible analyses the verse by elaborating on the Jewish laws regarding adultery and how Jesus' statement connects and intensifies the Old Testament laws.