Matthew 5:13-26

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

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.
18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca ,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

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Cross References 15

  • 1. Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34,35
  • 2. John 8:12
  • 3. Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; Luke 11:33
  • 4. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 1:11
  • 5. S Titus 2:14
  • 6. S Matthew 9:8
  • 7. John 10:34,35; Romans 3:31
  • 8. Psalms 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 16:17; Luke 21:33
  • 9. James 2:10
  • 10. Isaiah 26:2; Matthew 18:3; John 3:5
  • 11. Exodus 20:13; Exodus 21:12; Deuteronomy 5:17
  • 12. Ecclesiastes 7:9; 1 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 4:26; James 1:19,20
  • 13. 1 John 3:15
  • 14. Matthew 26:59; John 11:47; Ac 5:21,27,34,41; Acts 6:12
  • 15. Matthew 18:9; Mark 9:43,48; Luke 16:24; James 3:6

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Exodus 20:13
  • [b]. The Greek word for "brother or sister" ("adelphos" ) refers here to a fellow disciple, whether man or woman; also in verse 23.
  • [c]. Some manuscripts "brother or sister without cause"
  • [d]. An Aramaic term of contempt
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