What is the meaning of Matthew 5:27? You have heard Jesus begins by reminding His listeners that they already know the commandment. • He addresses people familiar with the Law given through Moses (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18). • By saying “You have heard,” He connects to centuries of synagogue teaching, showing continuity with God’s earlier revelation (Psalm 19:7). • Jesus affirms the unchanging moral foundation of Scripture while preparing to deepen its application (Malachi 3:6; Matthew 5:17). that it was said, The phrase points to an authoritative word from God Himself, not mere human tradition. • Jesus treats the command as divinely spoken, underscoring the reliability of every word (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 4:4). • He signals that the original statement still stands; He is about to clarify, not cancel (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35). • This approach models how believers today should value and obey the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16). Do not commit adultery. The seventh commandment prohibits sexual intimacy outside the covenant of marriage. • It safeguards the exclusivity and sanctity of the one-flesh union established in Genesis 2:24 (cf. Hebrews 13:4). • Adultery violates a spouse, fractures families, and dishonors God, who is faithful in all His covenants (Hosea 3:1; James 4:4). • Obedience brings blessing, while disobedience invites judgment—illustrated by David’s experience with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11–12; Proverbs 6:32-33). • Jesus will go on (v. 28) to expose the heart-level lust that precedes the physical act, showing that purity is an inner as well as outer call (Job 31:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). summary Matthew 5:27 recalls God’s timeless command, “Do not commit adultery,” confirming its continuing authority. Jesus affirms what the Law says and prepares to reveal its deeper reach into thoughts and desires. The verse reminds us that God values marital faithfulness, protects relationships, and calls His people to mirror His own covenant loyalty in both action and attitude. |
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