What did Jesus mean by "But I say to you"?

Definition and Context

When Jesus says, “But I say to you,” He is making a pointed contrast between what had been commonly taught or understood and His authoritative teaching. In Matthew 5, for instance, this phrase appears multiple times to clarify the depth, intention, and fulfillment of God’s law. He begins with statements such as, “You have heard that it was said,” then follows with, “But I say to you,” as found in Matthew 5:21–22: “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…” He applies this formula similarly in verses 27–28, 31–32, 33–34, 38–39, and 43–44. Each instance signals that His teaching not only upholds the Old Testament commands but also reveals their true, heart-centered intention.

Jesus as the Perfect Fulfillment of the Law

From a historical standpoint, first-century Judaism had many oral traditions and interpretations of the Old Testament. By saying, “But I say to you,” Jesus highlights that He is not merely another rabbi or philosopher. He is uniquely the Word made flesh (John 1:14) and the one through whom the Law was fulfilled. Far from negating the Old Testament, He magnifies its requirements to address not only outward conduct but also inward motives and the condition of the heart.

His words also fulfill Messianic expectations. The Gospel accounts are well attested in ancient manuscripts—such as early papyri, Codex Sinaiticus, and Codex Vaticanus—and they consistently preserve Jesus’ teachings, showing both historical accuracy and reliability. Jesus’ appeal to His own authority resonates with prophecies like Deuteronomy 18:15–19, which pointed to a greater Prophet who would speak God’s words. When He says, “But I say to you,” He is acting as the ultimate interpreter and embodiment of God’s law (Matthew 5:17).

Authority and the Heart of God’s Commandments

The phrase “But I say to you” clarifies the original intent of the commandments. Instead of only prohibiting external sins, Jesus emphasizes the internal attitudes that lead to those sins. For example:

• Murder is ultimately rooted in unrighteous anger (Matthew 5:21–22).

• Adultery starts from lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27–28).

• Truthfulness is meant to be a habit of the heart, not just an external avoidance of false vows (Matthew 5:33–37).

This exposes the depth of human brokenness and our need for divine aid to fulfill these commands. Jesus shifts focus from a system of external compliance to worship from a transformed heart (Romans 12:1–2), underscoring why spiritual rebirth—according to the consistent witness of Scripture—is essential.

Spiritual and Ethical Implications

“But I say to you” also underscores the ethical demands of the kingdom of God. By reminding His audience of the original purpose behind the Law, Jesus dismantles self-righteousness, showing people that no one can fully meet the Law’s requirements by human effort. This revelation is pivotal for understanding our need for salvation through His atoning work and resurrection (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Historically, these teachings have been corroborated by the early Christian manuscripts, which have a substantially larger corpus of documentation compared to other ancient works. Such evidence points to the consistent transmission of His words. Additionally, archaeological findings—like first-century synagogue remains in Galilee—help us glimpse the cultural setting in which these teachings would have resonated, supporting the Gospels’ historical credibility.

Upholding the Sacredness of Scripture

When Jesus contrasts the common teachings with “But I say to you,” He does not contest the Old Testament but clarifies misunderstandings about it. He quotes Scripture precisely, emphasizes its authority, and expands upon its divine intention. This approach, preserved in multiple early manuscripts, confirms that Scripture has been handed down accurately. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance, show that Old Testament texts were preserved with notable precision. Such manuscript evidence supports the continuity of revelation from the Old Testament to the New.

Elevating Love and Mercy

In passages like Matthew 5:43–44, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This not only intensifies the command of love but reflects God’s character of mercy and compassion. Rather than rejecting the Old Testament law—in which loving one’s neighbor was a foundational command (Leviticus 19:18)—Jesus unpacks it in a way that surpasses human convention. This call to love reveals the heart of the Christian ethic: only through recognizing Christ’s authority and relying on the Holy Spirit can one live out such transformative love.

Implications for Modern Discipleship

In modern times, the phrase “But I say to you” still challenges believers. It confronts cultural or traditional views that distort biblical teaching. Whenever external forms of religiosity overshadow genuine love and inner transformation, we revisit Christ’s words to align with the Lord’s call for authentic righteousness.

From a behavioral and philosophical standpoint, real transformation flows from a converted heart. The Christian worldview consistently portrays that without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5–6), individuals strive in vain to produce transcendent moral virtues. True righteousness—and the ability to keep the Law with a pure heart—is a fruit of God’s grace.

Consistent with Prophecy and New Covenant Context

The progression from “You have heard” to “But I say to you” aligns with Old Testament prophecies of a New Covenant. Jeremiah 31:31–34 foretells that God’s law would be written on hearts rather than on tablets of stone, leading to a more profound obedience. Jesus personifies and inaugurates that New Covenant through His teaching, death, and resurrection.

Biblical archaeology, including ancient synagogue sites and records from Josephus, corroborates the historical context in which Jesus brought this teaching and the radical reaction it elicited from both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The Gospels’ unity of presentation further demonstrates the cohesive theme: Jesus alone holds the authority to interpret and fulfill what God intended from the beginning.

Practical Application for Believers and Seekers

1. Deeper Understanding of Righteousness: Recognize that righteousness involves heart and mind. Take inventory of attitudes—anger, lust, deception, retaliation—and invite the Holy Spirit to foster genuine love and integrity.

2. Submission to Jesus’ Authority: Embrace His right to interpret Scripture and lead one’s life. Such submission is more than intellectual agreement; it is a posture of worship and obedience.

3. Community and Accountability: Engage with fellow believers who spur one another to live according to Jesus’ higher standards. This echoes the early church’s model in Acts, built on love, prayer, and encouragement.

4. Reliance on Grace: Since the standards Jesus sets are unattainable by human willpower alone, trust in the Gospel message: salvation is by faith in Christ and His atoning sacrifice (Romans 10:9–13). This is the bedrock upon which genuine transformation is built.

Conclusion

“But I say to you” represents Jesus’ authoritative clarification of God’s will, revealing the depth and heart behind the Law. Rather than dismiss what came before, He fulfills it perfectly and calls His followers to live by a standard that only His life, death, and resurrection make possible. His words are preserved faithfully in a treasure of manuscript evidence, exhibit historical reliability through archaeology and textual criticism, and demonstrate coherence with Old Testament prophecy.

Through this phrase, Jesus Himself shows that attaining God’s true righteousness requires both heart transformation and reliance on divine grace. It is a call to a higher way of life rooted in love, mercy, and submission to Him. Even today, this teaching holds a timeless invitation: to abandon mere rule-keeping and embrace a living, authentic relationship with the One who perfectly reveals the Father’s heart.