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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/40_Mat_05_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 5:17 - The Fulfillment of the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. 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I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish, but to fulfill. <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Don&#8217t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't suppose I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfill. <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Don't ever think that I came to set aside Moses' Teachings or the Prophets. I didn't come to set them aside but to make them come true. <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I didn't come to destroy them, but to fulfill them, <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. <a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Do not for a moment suppose that I have come to abrogate the Law or the Prophets: I have not come to abrogate them but to give them their completion. <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Do not suppose that I came to throw down the Law or the Prophets—I did not come to throw down, but to fulfill; <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish, but to fulfill. <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Do not suppose that I came to throw down the law or the prophets -- I did not come to throw down, but to fulfil; <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Think not that I have come to abolish the law, or the prophets: for I have come not abolish, but to complete.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Do not think that I have come to loosen the law or the prophets. I have not come to loosen, but to fulfill. <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Do not expect that I have come to weaken the law or the prophets; I have not come to weaken, but to fulfil. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Do not think that I have come to revoke The Written Law or The Prophets; I am not come to revoke but to fulfill.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Think not that I have come to make the law or the prophets of no effect. I have not come to make them of no effect, but to give them their full efficiency. <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Think not that I came to destroy the law of the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfill.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Don't think that I am come to abolish the law or the prophets: I am not come to abolish, but to complete them. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Do not for a moment suppose that I have come to abrogate the Law or the Prophets: I have not come to abrogate them but to give them their completion. <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"Think not that I came to destroy the law, or the prophets; I came not to destroy, but to fulfill.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Think not that I am come to abrogate the law, or the prophets: I am not come to abolish, but to compleat <Fr>them: <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=929" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">The Fulfillment of the Law</a> 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 17<a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Do not</a> <a href="/greek/3543.htm" title="3543: nomisēte (V-ASA-2P) -- From nomos; properly, to do by law, i.e. To accustom; by extension, to deem or regard.">think</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthon (V-AIA-1S) -- To come, go. ">I have come</a> <a href="/greek/2647.htm" title="2647: katalysai (V-ANA) -- From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night.">to abolish</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">Law</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētas (N-AMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">Prophets.</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthon (V-AIA-1S) -- To come, go. ">I have not come</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2647.htm" title="2647: katalysai (V-ANA) -- From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night.">to abolish them,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/4137.htm" title="4137: plērōsai (V-ANA) -- From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.">to fulfill them.</a> 18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Romans 3:31</a> Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law. <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24-25</a> So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. / Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. <a href="/romans/10-4.htm">Romans 10:4</a> For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. <a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Hebrews 10:1</a> For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. <a href="/luke/24-44.htm">Luke 24:44</a> Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” <a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17</a> For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3-4</a> For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, / so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4-5</a> But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Colossians 2:14</a> having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross! <a href="/hebrews/8-13.htm">Hebrews 8:13</a> By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. <a href="/isaiah/42-21.htm">Isaiah 42:21</a> The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/deuteronomy/18-15.htm">Deuteronomy 18:15</a> The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him. <a href="/psalms/40-7.htm">Psalm 40:7-8</a> Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll: / I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a> After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.to destroy the law.<a href="/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17</a> And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.<a href="/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5</a> Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?<a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13</a> And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:but.<a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Matthew 3:15</a> And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.<a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Psalm 40:6-8</a> Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required… <a href="/isaiah/42-21.htm">Isaiah 42:21</a> The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/2-18.htm">Abolish</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/daniel/10-3.htm">Completion</a> <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-8.htm">End</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Fulfil</a> <a href="/matthew/4-14.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/matthew/2-4.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Moment</a> <a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Think</a> <a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-10.htm">Void</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Abolish</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/matthew/13-39.htm">Completion</a> <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">End</a> <a href="/matthew/8-17.htm">Fulfil</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/6-27.htm">Moment</a> <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Think</a> <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/matthew/5-29.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/matthew/15-6.htm">Void</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div>1. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a> 43. <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a> 48. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/5.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Do not think This phrase introduces a corrective to potential misunderstandings about Jesus' mission. The Greek word for "think" is "νομίζω" (nomizō), which implies a consideration or assumption. Jesus anticipates misconceptions about His teachings and actions, urging His audience to reconsider any preconceived notions. Historically, many Jews expected the Messiah to bring radical changes, possibly even abolishing the Law. Jesus addresses this directly, emphasizing the continuity of His mission with God's established covenant.that I have come The phrase "I have come" is significant, indicating purpose and divine mission. The Greek "ἦλθον" (ēlthon) suggests a deliberate arrival or coming. This reflects the incarnation, where Jesus, the Word made flesh, enters human history with a specific mission. In the broader scriptural context, this aligns with prophecies about the Messiah's coming, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.to abolish The term "abolish" comes from the Greek "καταλύω" (katalyō), meaning to destroy or dismantle. Jesus clarifies that His mission is not to dismantle the existing Law or the Prophets. This is crucial in understanding His respect for the Old Testament as the foundation of God's revelation. Historically, the Law was central to Jewish identity and religious practice, and Jesus reassures His audience of its enduring significance.the Law or the Prophets This phrase encompasses the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures, often referred to as the Tanakh. "The Law" (Torah) includes the first five books of Moses, while "the Prophets" (Nevi'im) covers the historical and prophetic writings. By mentioning both, Jesus affirms the authority and continuity of the Old Testament. In a historical context, this underscores the unity of God's revelation from the Old to the New Covenant.I have not come to abolish them Reiterating His earlier statement, Jesus emphasizes His respect for the Law and the Prophets. The repetition underscores the importance of this message. The Greek structure here is emphatic, reinforcing that His mission is not one of destruction but of fulfillment. This would have been reassuring to His Jewish audience, who held the Scriptures in high esteem.but to fulfill them The word "fulfill" is translated from the Greek "πληρόω" (plēroō), meaning to complete or bring to full expression. Jesus' mission is to bring the Law and the Prophets to their intended purpose and completion. This fulfillment is not merely in a legalistic sense but in revealing the deeper spiritual truths and intentions of God's commands. Scripturally, this points to Jesus as the culmination of God's promises, the one who embodies and perfects the Law through His life, death, and resurrection. Historically, this fulfillment is seen in how Jesus' teachings and actions reveal the heart of God's covenant, inviting all to a deeper relationship with Him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Here a new section of the discourse begins, and is carried on to the end of the chapter. From the ideal picture of the life of the society which He came to found, our Lord passes to a protest against the current teaching of the scribes, sometimes adhering to the letter and neglecting the spirit, sometimes overriding even the letter by unauthorised traditions--lowering the standard of righteousness to the level of men's practices, instead of raising their practices to the standard which God had fixed.Think not that I am come.--The words imply that men had begun so to think. The Teacher who came preaching repentance, but also promising forgiveness, was supposed to be what in later times has been called Antinomian, attacking the authority of the two great channels through which the will of God had been revealed. "The Law and the prophets" were popularly equivalent to the whole of the Old Testament, though a strict classification required the addition of the Hagiographa, or "holy writings," i.e., the poetical and miscellaneous books.I am not come.--Better, I came not. The words might be naturally used by any teacher conscious of a mission, but they gain a new meaning when we remember that He who so spake was emphatically "He that should come;" that "He came into the world" not in the same sense as other men, but in a manner absolutely His own.Not . . . to destroy, but to fulfil.--Explained by the immediate context, the words would seem to point chiefly to our Lord's work as a teacher. He came to fill up what was lacking, to develop hints and germs of truth, to turn rules into principles. Interpreted on a wider scale, He came to "fulfil the Law and prophets," as He came "to fulfil all righteousness" (3:15) by a perfect obedience to its precepts, to fulfil whatever in it was typical of Himself and His work by presenting the realities. The further thought that He came to fulfil what are called the Messianic prophecies hardly comes within the range of the words. No one could dream for a moment that the Christ could do anything else, and throughout the whole discourse there is no reference to those predictions. The prophets are named, partly in conformity with usage, partly in their character as ethical teachers, expounding and spiritualising the Law, and preparing the way for a further and fuller development.It may be noted as a singular instance of the boldness of some of the early heretics, that Marcion, who rejected the Old Testament altogether, maintained that these words had been altered by the Judaisers of the apostolic age, and that the true reading was, "Think ye that I came to fulfil the Law or the prophets? I came not to fulfil, but to destroy."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17- <a href="/matthew/6-18.htm">Matthew 6:18</a>. - Having spoken of the ideal character of his disciples (vers. 3-10), and of their need of allowing that character to appear (vers. 11-16), our Lord turns to speak of the position that they should hold towards the religion of the day (ver. 17 - <a href="/matthew/6-18.htm">Matthew 6:18</a>), of which the Law was the accepted standard. Verses 17-20. - (1) With this aim he first states summarily and in nucleus the position that he himself holds towards the Law - a statement which was the more necessary as he had already (ver. 11) claimed to be the object of his disciples' devotion. Verse 17. - Matthew only. Think not. Probably the tendency of his teaching was even already seen to be so different from that of the recognized authorities, that some had in consequence formed this opinion (νομίζω) of him which he now repudiates, and which was near akin to the basis of the charge formulated afterwards against St. Stephen (<a href="/acts/6-14.htm">Acts 6:14</a>). In both cases the tendency of the new teaching (<a href="/mark/1-27.htm">Mark 1:27</a>) to abolish temporary forms was perceived by at least those whose powers of perception were quickened through their opposition. That I am come; Revised Version, that I came (ὅτι η΅λθον). Our Lord, both here and in the next clause, lays stress on his coming as an historic fact. The primary reference is probably to his coming forth from private life (cf. <a href="/john/1-31.htm">John 1:31</a>). Yet in his own mind there may have been a further allusion to his coming from above (cf. <a href="/john/8-14.htm">John 8:14</a>; and further, <a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Matthew 10:34</a>). To destroy. The connexion between καταλῦσαι here and λύσῃ ver. 19 (vide note) is lost in the English. The Law or the Prophets. The Phrase,'" the law and the prophets," is sometimes used as practically equivalent to the whole of the Old Testament (<a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a>; <a href="/john/1-45.htm">John 1:45</a>; <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21</a>; cf. <a href="/matthew/11-13.htm">Matthew 11:13</a>; <a href="/matthew/22-40.htm">Matthew 22:40</a>; <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Acts 24:14</a>),and our Lord means probably much the same here, the "or" distributing the καταλῦσαι (cf. Alford), and being used because of the negative. Such a distribution, however, though it could not have been expressed in an affirmative sentence, has for its background the consciousness of a difference in the nature of these two chief components of the Old Testament. Observe that the third part of the Hebrew Scriptures, "the (Holy) Writings" - of which 'Psalms' (<a href="/luke/24-44.htm">Luke 24:44</a>) form the most characteristic portion - is omitted in this summary reference to the Old Testament. The reason may be either that of the three parts it was used less than the other two as a basis for doctrine and for rule of life, or that it was practically included in the Prophets (<a href="/acts/2-30.htm">Acts 2:30</a>). The essential teaching of the Law may be distinguished from that of the Prophets by saying that, while the Law was the direct revelation of God's will as law for the people's daily life - personal, social, and national - the Prophets (including the historical books and the prophets proper) were rather the indirect revelation of his will for them under the fresh circumstances into which they came; this indirect revelation being seen more especially in God's providential guidance of the nation, and in his explanation of principles of worship, as well as in occasional predictions of the future. It is to his relation to the Prophets in this connexion, as an indirect revelation of God's will under changing circumstances (cf. Weiss) that our Lord here chiefly refers. For he is led to speak of his own relation to them from the bearing that this has on the conduct of his disciples. Many, however (e.g. Chrysostom), consider that he is thinking of his relation to them as containing predictions concerning himself. In answer to this it is not sufficient to say (Meyer, Weiss, Alford) that it was impossible that Messiah could be thought to abrogate the Prophets; for, in fact, to many Jews during his ministry (even if not at this early stage of it), and much more to Jews at the time when the evangelist recorded the words, our Lord must have seemed to contradict the predictions about himself as they were then understood. It is indeed true that the prima facie ground that existed for thinking that our Lord's teaching was opposed, not merely to the religion of the day as dependent on the Law and the Prophets, but also to the predictions of Messiah contained in them, is enough to give a certain plausibility to this interpretation. But that is all. The absence in the context of any hint that he refers to his relation to predictions as such quite forbids our accepting it. It was probably derived solely from a misinterpretation of "fulfil" (vide infra), no regard being paid to the train of thought by which our Lord was led to speak of the subject at all. Our Lord says that he is not come to "destroy" the Prophets as exponents of the will of God. I am not come to destroy; emphasizing his statement by repetition. But to fulfil. By establishing the absolute and final meaning of the Law and the Prophets. Christ came not to abrogate the Law or the Prophets, but to satisfy them - to bring about in his own Person, and ultimately in the persons of his followers, that righteousness of life which, however limited by the historical conditions under which the Divine oracles had been delivered, was the sum and substance of their teaching. The fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets "is the perfect development of their ideal reality out of the positive form, in which the same is historically apprehended and limited" (Meyer). Martensen puts the matter thus: "How can he say that not a tittle shall pass from the Law, since the development of the Church shows us that the ceremonial law, that the whole Mosaic dispensation, has been annihilated by the influences proceeding from Christ? We answer: He has fulfilled the Law, whilst he has released it from the temporary forms in which its eternal validity was confined; he has unfolded its spiritual essence, its inward perfection. Not even a tittle of the ceremonial law has passed away, if we regard the Mosaic Law as a whole; for the ideas which form its basis, as the distinction between the unclean and the clean, are confirmed by Christ, and contained in the law of holiness which he teaches men" ('Christian Ethics: General,' § 125); cf. ver. 18, notes, "till heaven and earth pass," "till all be fulfilled." <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>{Do} not Μὴ (Mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. think νομίσητε (nomisēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3543.htm">Strong's 3543: </a> From nomos; properly, to do by law, i.e. To accustom; by extension, to deem or regard. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I have come ἦλθον (ēlthon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to abolish καταλῦσαι (katalysai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2647.htm">Strong's 2647: </a> From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Prophets; προφήτας (prophētas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. I have not come ἦλθον (ēlthon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to abolish [them], καταλῦσαι (katalysai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2647.htm">Strong's 2647: </a> From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. to fulfill [them]. πληρῶσαι (plērōsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4137.htm">Strong's 4137: </a> From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:17 Don't think that I came to destroy (Matt. 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