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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 5:21 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/40_Mat_05_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 5:21 - Anger and Reconciliation" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/5-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/5-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/5-20.htm" title="Matthew 5:20">◄</a> Matthew 5:21 <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm" title="Matthew 5:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, &#8216You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'You shall not murder' and 'Whoever shall murder will be liable to the judgment.' <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You have heard that the ancients were told, &#8216YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER &#8216 and &#8216Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever murders shall be guilty before the court.’ <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,’ and ‘Whoever murders shall be guilty before the court.’ <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You know our ancestors were told, "Do not murder" and "A murderer must be brought to trial." <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'Never murder. Whoever murders will answer for it in court.' <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> "You have heard that people were told in the past, 'Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.' <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> "You have heard that it was told those who lived long ago, 'You are not to commit murder,' and, 'Whoever murders will be subject to punishment.' <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ?Do not murder? and ?Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.? <a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> "You have heard that it was said to an older generation, 'Do not murder,' and 'whoever murders will be subjected to judgment.' <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'Do not murder;' and 'Whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment: <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Thou shalt not commit murder', and whoever commits murder will be answerable to the magistrate. <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> You heard that it was said to the ancients: You will not murder, and whoever may murder will be in danger of the judgment; <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'You shall not murder' and 'Whoever shall murder will be liable to the judgment.' <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Ye heard that it was said to the ancients: Thou shalt not kill, and whoever may kill shall be in danger of the judgment; <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Ye have heard that it was said to the ancients, Thou shalt not kill: and whoever should kill shall be subject to judgment:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not kill. And whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not murder; whoever will have murdered shall be liable to judgment.’ <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You have heard that it was said to those who were before you, You shall not kill, and whoever kills is guilty before the court. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients, “Do not murder, and whoever murders is condemned to judgment.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients: You shall not kill; and whoever shall kill, shall be liable to the sentence of the judges. <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>You have heard that it was said to the ancients, Thou shalt not murder; and whosoever may murder shall be in danger of the judgment;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Ye have heard that it was said to the men of antient times, ?Thou shalt do no murder;? and whosoever shall commit murder, shall be liable to the judgment: <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Ye have heard that it has been said to the antients, "Thou shalt not kill: and whosoever shall kill, shall be punish'd by the tribunal." <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Thou shalt not commit murder', and whoever commits murder will be answerable to the magistrate. <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"Ye heard that it was said to the ancients, 'You shall not kill; and whosoever kills shall be in danger of the judgment.'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Ye have heard, that it was said to the ancients, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever committeth murder, shall be liable to the judgment:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=976" 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">Anger and Reconciliation</a> 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21<a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: Ēkousate (V-AIA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">You have heard</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2046.htm" title="2046: errethē (V-AIP-3S) -- Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.">it was said</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/744.htm" title="744: archaiois (Adj-DMP) -- Original, primitive, ancient. From arche; original or primeval.">ancients,</a> <a href="/greek/5407.htm" title="5407: phoneuseis (V-FIA-2S) -- To murder, kill. From phoneus; to be a murderer.">‘Do not murder’</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: d’ (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">‘Anyone who</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/5407.htm" title="5407: phoneusē (V-ASA-3S) -- To murder, kill. From phoneus; to be a murderer.">murders</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estai (V-FIM-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">will be</a> <a href="/greek/1777.htm" title="1777: enochos (Adj-NMS) -- Involved in, held in, hence: liable, generally with dat. (or gen.) of the punishment. From enecho; liable to.">subject</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2920.htm" title="2920: krisei (N-DFS) -- Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.">judgment.’</a> 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.…<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="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a> You shall not murder. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-17.htm">Deuteronomy 5:17</a> You shall not murder. <a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a> Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. <a href="/leviticus/24-17.htm">Leviticus 24:17</a> And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. <a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16-21</a> If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. / Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. / If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. ... <a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Romans 13:9</a> The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/james/2-11.htm">James 2:11</a> For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. <a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a> Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Matthew 19:18</a> “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, <a href="/mark/10-19.htm">Mark 10:19</a> You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’” <a href="/luke/18-20.htm">Luke 18:20</a> You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’” <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12</a> Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Deuteronomy 19:11-13</a> If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, / the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. / You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. <a href="/1_kings/2-31.htm">1 Kings 2:31</a> And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. <a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9</a> Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You have heard that it was said of them of old time, You shall not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:it.<a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">Matthew 5:27,33,43</a> Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: … <a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">2 Samuel 20:18</a> Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.<a href="/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8-10</a> For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers: … by them.<a href="/genesis/9-5.htm">Genesis 9:5,6</a> And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man… <a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a> Thou shalt not kill.<a href="/deuteronomy/5-17.htm">Deuteronomy 5:17</a> Thou shalt not kill.and.<a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a> He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death… <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Numbers 35:12,16-21,30-34</a> And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment… <a href="/deuteronomy/21-7.htm">Deuteronomy 21:7-9</a> And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/micah/7-20.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/malachi/3-4.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-9.htm">Ancients</a> <a href="/hosea/7-1.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/hosea/1-2.htm">Commits</a> <a href="/amos/7-13.htm">Court</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-11.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/daniel/9-12.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-9.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/matthew/26-66.htm">Liable</a> <a href="/acts/7-35.htm">Magistrate</a> <a href="/hosea/6-9.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Murders</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-6.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/27-6.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/nahum/1-7.htm">Times</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/luke/9-8.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">Ancients</a> <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Commits</a> <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Court</a> <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Kills</a> <a href="/matthew/26-66.htm">Liable</a> <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Magistrate</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Murders</a> <a href="/matthew/10-8.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/matthew/5-31.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/matthew/9-20.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/13-8.htm">Times</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'; 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The "ancients" refers to the forefathers of Israel who received the Law through Moses. This sets the stage for Jesus to contrast traditional interpretations with His authoritative teaching. The phrase suggests a reliance on oral tradition, which was prevalent in Jewish culture, where the Law was passed down and interpreted by scribes and Pharisees.‘Do not murder’ This commandment is the sixth of the Ten Commandments found in <a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/5-17.htm">Deuteronomy 5:17</a>. It is a fundamental moral law that prohibits the unlawful taking of human life. The commandment underscores the sanctity of life, a principle rooted in the belief that humans are made in the image of God (<a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a>). The prohibition against murder is a universal moral standard, reflecting God's justice and righteousness.and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ This part of the verse reflects the legal consequences of murder under the Mosaic Law. In ancient Israel, murder was a capital offense, and those guilty were subject to judgment by the community or local courts (<a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Numbers 35:30-31</a>). The judgment was not only a legal matter but also a divine mandate, as God is the ultimate judge of human actions. This phrase highlights the seriousness of the crime and the necessity of justice, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Jesus uses this to introduce a deeper understanding of righteousness that goes beyond mere legal compliance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_ancients.htm">The Ancients</a> Refers to the people of Israel who received the Law through Moses, representing the historical context of the Old Testament commandments. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a> A significant event where Jesus expounds on the Law, emphasizing the spirit rather than just the letter of the Law. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_of_moses.htm">The Law of Moses</a> The original context of the commandment "Do not murder," found in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-13.htm">Exodus 20:13</a>). 5. <a href="/topical/j/judgment.htm">Judgment</a> The consequence mentioned for those who commit murder, indicating both earthly and divine accountability.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_the_law.htm">The Heart of the Law</a> Jesus emphasizes that the Law is not just about external actions but the internal condition of the heart. True righteousness exceeds mere legalistic adherence. <a href="/topical/a/anger_and_hatred.htm">Anger and Hatred</a> These emotions are the seeds of murder. Christians are called to address these heart issues before they manifest in destructive actions. <a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a> Both earthly and divine judgment are real. Believers must live with an awareness of their accountability to God and others. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a> Only through Christ can believers truly fulfill the Law, as He transforms hearts and minds to align with God's will. <a href="/topical/p/peacemaking.htm">Peacemaking</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, actively working to resolve conflicts and promote reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_this.htm">What did Jesus mean by "But I say to you"?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_eternal_death.htm">What defines the concept of eternal death?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_jesus'_teachings_relate_to_613_laws.htm">How do Jesus' teachings relate to the 613 commandments?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_eternal_laws_with_obsolete_ones.htm">Psalm 111:7–8 asserts God’s commands stand forever—how do you reconcile this with biblical laws that seem contradictory or culturally obsolete today? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) By them of old time.--There is no reasonable doubt that the marginal reading, to them of old time, is right. The construction is identical with that of <a href="/romans/9-12.htm" title="It was said to her, The elder shall serve the younger.">Romans 9:12</a>; <a href="/romans/9-26.htm" title="And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said to them, You are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.">Romans 9:26</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm" title="Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He said not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to your seed, which is Christ.">Galatians 3:16</a>; <a href="/revelation/6-11.htm" title="And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brothers, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.">Revelation 6:11</a>; <a href="/revelation/9-4.htm" title="And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.">Revelation 9:4</a>. Two questions present themselves for answer: (1) Who were "they of old time"? (2) Who was the speaker of the words quoted? (1) The words are very general, and, as interpreted by the use of "old time" in <a href="/acts/15-21.htm" title="For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.">Acts 15:21</a>, seem to point to the time when synagogues began to be established, i.e., after the return from Babylon. (2) The impersonal form, the contrast between "it was said," and "I say unto you," the tone of authority imposing a new law for that which it supersedes, seem conclusive against referring the words, even when they are found in the Law, to that Law as given by God through Moses. Stress is laid on the words "Ye heard that it was said." "This was the report of the Law given you by your teachers in school and synagogue. I give you another and truer report. Not what you so heard, but what I now say unto you is the true completion of the Law and the Prophets, and therefore the abiding law of my kingdom." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 21-48. - (a) Our Lord is still concerned with the relation of himself and his followers to the religion of the day, of which the Old Testament (ver. 17), and more especially the Law (ver. 18), was the accepted standard. But after having spoken of the need of careful attention to (vers. 17,18), and observance of (ver. 19), even the least commands of the Law, he goes on to point out the far-reaching character of these commands, whether they are such as we should call more (vers. 21, 27, 81) or less (vers. 33, 38, 43) impotent. It is essential to notice that our Lord refers to these commands, not merely as statements contained in the Law, but as part of the religion of the day, and that he contrasts their true bearing on life and conduct with that false bearing on this which was commonly predicated of them. By this it is not meant that our Lord was only opposing such narrow glosses and interpretations as had arisen at various times during the centuries after the promulgation of the Law (for these were for the most part perfectly natural and legitimate developments of the earliest possible interpretations of it), still less that he was thinking only of the worst of the misrepresentations of its commands, comparatively recently made by the Pharisees; but that he was now going back, beyond this so far natural and normal development of the earliest interpretations, to the first principles underlying the revelation contained in the Law. While the Jews, not unnaturally, clung to the primary, but temporary, meaning of the Law as a revelation of God's will for them as a nation, our Lord was now about to expound its commands as a revelation of God's permanent will for them and all men as men. Our Lord was now, that is to say, wishing to do more than merely cut off the excrescences that, chiefly through the Pharisaic party, had grown up round the Law, but less than root up the Law itself. He rather cuts down the whole growth that had been, notwithstanding some mere excrescences, the right and proper outcome of the Law in its original environment, in order that, in fresh environment, which corresponded better to its nature, the Law might produce a growth still more right and proper. Verses 21-26. - The sixth commandment. Verses 21-24 Matthew only; vers. 25, 26 have parts common to Luke. Verse 21. - Ye have heard (ἠκούσατε, frequentative aorist). Our Lord does not say, "ye have read" (cf. <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a>), for he was not now speaking to the learned classes, but to a large audience many of whom were probably unable to read. "Ye have heard," i.e. from your teachers whose teaching claims to be the substance of the Law. So, probably, even in <a href="/john/12-34.htm">John 12:34</a>, where the multitude say that they "have heard out of the Law that the Christ abideth for ever," which, since this is hardly expressed in so many words in the Old Testament, must mean that the instructions they have received on this subject truly represent the substance of its teaching. So here our Lord says, "You have heard from your teachers (cf. <a href="/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18</a>) that the substance of the sixth commandment is so-and-so." It is thus quite intelligible that in some of these utterances there should be found added to (vers. 21, 43) or intermingled with (ver. 33) the words of a passage of Scripture, other words which are either taken from Scripture, but from another place in it (perhaps ver. 33), or do not occur in Scripture at all, but merely help to form a compendious statement of a definite interpretation (here and ver. 43). It must remain doubtful whether our Lord himself formulated these statements of the popular teaching, or quoted them verbally as current. If the latter, as is perhaps more likely, there remains the at present still more insoluble question whether they were only oral or (cf. the case of the 'Didaehe') had already been committed to writing (cf. in this connexion Bishop Westcott, 'Hebr.,' p. 480). That it was said by them of old time (ὅτι ἐῥῤέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις). By; Revised Version, to. Similarly ver. 33. Although "by" may be defended (cf. Madvig, § 39 g), "to" (Wickliffe and Tyndale downwards) is certainly right, because (a) it is the common usage with a passive verb; (b) it is the constant usage with ἐῥῤέθη in the New Testament (e.g. <a href="/romans/9-12.htm">Romans 9:12, 26</a>); (c) the parallelism with ἐγὼ δέ κ.τ.λ., is more exact; . . . <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>You have heard Ἠκούσατε (Ēkousate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. it was said ἐρρέθη (errethē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2046.htm">Strong's 2046: </a> Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. to the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative 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. ancients, ἀρχαίοις (archaiois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_744.htm">Strong's 744: </a> Original, primitive, ancient. From arche; original or primeval. ‘Do not murder, φονεύσεις (phoneuseis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5407.htm">Strong's 5407: </a> To murder, kill. From phoneus; to be a murderer. and δ’ (d’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. anyone who ὃς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. murders φονεύσῃ (phoneusē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5407.htm">Strong's 5407: </a> To murder, kill. From phoneus; to be a murderer. will be ἔσται (estai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. subject ἔνοχος (enochos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1777.htm">Strong's 1777: </a> Involved in, held in, hence: liable, generally with dat. (or gen.) of the punishment. From enecho; liable to. to τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine 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. judgment.’ κρίσει (krisei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2920.htm">Strong's 2920: </a> Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:21 You have heard that it was said (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>