Meaning of Matthew 5:27

This verse, Matthew 5:27, is Jesus directly quoting the sixth commandment from the Decalogue as found in Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18. He is not introducing a new law but is referencing a foundational moral precept of the Old Testament. The purpose of this quotation is to establish a baseline, a commonly understood prohibition against a specific act of sexual immorality. By beginning with this established command, Jesus sets the stage for his subsequent teaching, which will delve into the deeper implications and the root causes of sin, rather than merely the outward action. He is preparing his audience to understand that his kingdom ethic goes beyond mere legalistic adherence to the letter of the law, aiming instead for a transformation of the heart.

Context and Background

Jesus is delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a pivotal discourse in his ministry where he expounds on the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. This sermon is often understood as Jesus' reinterpretation and fulfillment of the Old Testament Law, presenting a higher standard of righteousness that aligns with God's original intent. In this section (Matthew 5:21-48), Jesus systematically addresses various commandments, contrasting the common understanding and application of the Law with his own radical teaching. He moves from "You have heard that it was said..." to "But I say to you...", demonstrating how his message elevates and intensifies the spiritual and ethical demands of God's people.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary message here is that Jesus is not abolishing the Law but fulfilling it (Matthew 5:17). By citing the commandment against adultery, he immediately signals that the discussion will be about the spirit of the Law, not just its literal prohibition. The focus will shift from the external act of adultery to the internal disposition and thoughts that lead to it. This introduces the theme of heart purity as the true measure of righteousness, a concept central to Jesus' teachings throughout the Gospels.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in Jesus' call to internal transformation. He is teaching that the sin of adultery is not confined to the physical act but begins in the mind and heart with lustful thoughts. Therefore, true obedience involves guarding one's thoughts and desires, not just abstaining from outward transgressions. The application for believers is to cultivate a pure heart, actively resisting impure thoughts and desires before they can manifest in sinful actions. This requires constant vigilance, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a critical link in the biblical narrative of God's covenant with humanity and his progressive revelation of righteousness. The Old Testament Law provided a framework for moral conduct, outlining prohibitions against actions that would disrupt the covenant community and defile the people of God. Jesus, in the New Testament, fulfills and perfects this Law, revealing its deeper spiritual dimensions and the necessity of a transformed inner life for true righteousness. This aligns with the prophetic promise of a new covenant where God's law would be written on the hearts of his people (Jeremiah 31:33).

Analogies

One analogy to understand Jesus' approach here is that of a physician diagnosing not just a symptom but the underlying disease. The outward act of adultery is a symptom, but Jesus is pointing to the "disease" of lustful thought and impure desire in the heart. Another analogy could be a gardener who doesn't just pull weeds but also addresses the unhealthy soil that allows them to grow. Jesus is addressing the "soil" of the human heart.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse directly anticipates and is explained by the subsequent verse, Matthew 5:28: "but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." It also resonates with other passages that emphasize the importance of the heart, such as Proverbs 4:23 ("Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life") and Mark 7:20-23, where Jesus states that "out of the heart come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery..." The emphasis on internal purity is a consistent theme throughout Jesus' teachings and the New Testament.