BHT with Abridged Translator’s NotesMatthew 5 =
5
“He Began to Teach Them Some Very Weighty Things”
1 Now when Jesus+ saw the crowds, he went up on the mountainside, and after he sat down, his disciples came up to him. 2 Then he began to teach them some very weighty+ things:
“Blessed are the crushed in spirit”
3 “Blessed are the crushed+ in spirit,
for they will surely possess the kingdom of heaven.+
4 Blessed are those who mourn,+
for they will be consoled.+
5 Blessed are the humble,+
for ‘they will inherit the land.’+
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,+
for they will be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.+
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,+
for they will see God.+
9 Blessed are those who make peace,
for they will be called the very children+ of God. +
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for their righteous ways,+
for they will surely possess the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are ᵖyou when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say any sort of wicked thing against you because of me. 12 Constantly rejoice and be full of joy,+ because a great reward is stored away for you in the heavens.+ That, you see, is how people persecuted the prophets who came before you.
“You are the salt of the land...You are the light of the world”
13 “As for ᵖyou, you are the salt of the land.+ If the salt, however, becomes tasteless, how will it be made salty again?+ It is no longer useful for anything,+ except, having been thrown outside, to be trampled under people’s feet.+ 14 ᵖYou are the light of the world.+ A city located on a mountain cannot be hidden.+ 15 People light a lamp and place it, moreover, not under the measuring basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, ᵖyour light is to shine before mankind,+ so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father+ in the heavens.
“Don’t think that I’m here to do away with the Torah or the Prophets”
17 “Don’t think that I’m here+ to do away with the Torah or the Prophets! I have come not to do away with them, but to make them fully known.+ 18 Yes,+ amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: Until heaven+ and the earth+ pass away,+ not even one yodh+ or the tiniest part of a letter+ will pass from Torah until every last thing takes place. 19 Therefore, if someone relaxes+ one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same, he will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. If someone obeys and teaches them, however, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 Indeed, I tell ᵖyou this: Unless your righteousness+ excels that of the experts in the Torah and the Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.+
“Everyone who harbors anger toward his brother or sister, that’s who will be liable to punishment”
21 “ᵖYou have heard that it was said to our ancestors,+ ‘ˢYou must not murder,’+ and that if someone does commit murder, he will be liable to punishment.+ 22 I, however,+ tell ᵖyou that everyone who harbors anger toward his brother or sister, that’s who will be liable to punishment. If someone says to his brother or sister, ‘You worthless idiot!’,+ he will be liable before the heavenly tribunal.+ Whoever, again, says, ‘You wretched imbecile!’+ will be liable to the place of final punishment and torment, the fire of the Valley of Hinnom.+
23 “In light of these things, if ˢyou are presenting your gift at the altar of sacrifice and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother or sister; then come back and continue presenting your gift. 25 Come to friendly terms with ˢyour accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court. ˢYou, otherwise, he may hand over to the judge; the judge, in turn, will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown where? Into prison. 26 Amen, I solemnly tell ˢyou this: You will certainly not get out of there until you have paid back the last cent you owe.
“Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery”
27 “ᵖYou have heard that it was said, ‘ˢYou must not commit adultery.’+ 28 I, however, tell ᵖyou that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So, if ˢyour right eye causes you to stumble in sin, gouge it out and throw it away from you! For it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into Hinnom Valley. 30 Or suppose it is your right hand that is causing you to stumble in sin—cut it off and throw it away from you! It is better for you to lose one part of your body, you see, than for your whole body to go into Hinnom Valley.
“Every man who divorces his wife for any reason other than sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery”
31 “It was also said, ‘If anyone divorces his wife, he is to give her a written notice of divorce.’+ 32 I, however, tell ᵖyou that every man who divorces his wife for any reason other than sexual immorality forces her to commit adultery.+ In fact, a man is guilty of committing adultery even if he marries+ a divorced woman.
“You must not use any oaths when making promises”
33 “Again, ᵖyou have heard that it was said to our ancestors,+ ‘ˢYou must not break your oath,’+ but ‘must carry out your oaths to the LORD.’+ 34 I, however, am telling ᵖyou that you must not use any oaths when making promises.+ You must not swear ‘by heaven,’ since it is God’s very throne, 35 or ‘by the earth,’ since it is the very footstool for his feet, or ‘by Jerusalem,’ since it is the very city of the Great King.+ 36 Don’t swear by even so much as ‘ˢyour head,’ seeing that ˢyou are unable to make a single hair white or black.+ 37 Instead, what ᵖyou say, your ‘Yes,’ is to simply mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ is to simply mean ‘No.’ Anything beyond these comes from the evil one.
“If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well”
38 “ᵖYou have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”+ 39 I, however,+ am telling ᵖyou not to go to court+ against the person who wrongs you. Instead, if someone strikes ˢyou on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. 40 Likewise, if someone wants to go with ˢyou before the judge, so that he can take your inner garment,+let him have, too, your cloak.+ 41 And if a soldier compels ˢyou to carry his load for him one mile,+ carry it+ two miles. 42 If a person is pleading with ˢyou for some help,+ give,+ and if someone wants to borrow something from you, don’t refuse to help him.
“Keep on loving your enemies”
43 “ᵖYou have heard that it was said, ‘ˢYou are to love your neighbor’+ and hate ˢyour enemy. 44 I, however, tell ᵖyou this: Keep on loving ᵖyour enemies and praying for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may show yourselves to be+ children+ of your Father in the heavens. For he causes to rise day after day over both the wicked and the good the sun made by him, and he sends rain time and again to both the righteous and the unrighteous alike. 46 Indeed, if ᵖyou love only those who love you, what reward will you receive? Even the tax collectors do that, don’t they? 47 Similarly, if ᵖyou extend greetings to your brothers and sisters only, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles do that, do they not? 48 ᵖYou, therefore, are to be an example of steadfast love,+ just as your Father in heaven is himself steadfast in love.+
+1:1Lit the record of the genealogy. ME (see NAC [Mt], 52; UBSHS [Mt], 8; Richards, BR Companion, 602). Here, Matthew has not only Jesus’ genealogy, but also the account of his birth, in view. Cf Gn 5:1.+1:2Cf LEB.+1:2Cf Gn 5:1.+1:3Lit Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:5Lit Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:5Lit Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:6Lit David fathered Solomon by she/the woman of Uriah. Following the lead of the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Mt], 14). Cf ASV, NASB, NIV, NKJV, NLT, YLT.+1:18Lit was betrothed. ME(H) (see L-N, 34.74; NAC (Mt), 57; UBSHS (Mt), 20; ISV footnote at Mt 1:18).+1:18Lit before they came together. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 970, sv συνέρχομαι 3; L-N, 23.61; M-M, 606).+1:18Lit she was discovered to be having in the womb. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.50). Cf ESV, NET, NLT, NRSV, RSV, YLT at Mt 1:23.+1:19Throughout the Blessed Hope Translation, if a word or phrase is italicized, it means that it is being emphasized in the Greek text.+1:19Or although Joseph her husband was a righteous man. For further discussion of the interpretation represented in the text, see UBSHS [Mt], 22; Robertson, Word Pictures, Mt 1:19. Cf NABRE.+1:19Lit her.+1:20Or the angel. For a discussion about “an angel” versus “the angel,” see NET Bible Notes, Mt 1:20.+1:20Lit that which has been in her conceived is by the Holy Spirit. ME. Cf TEV.+1:21Throughout the Blessed Hope Translation, if a second person pronoun is marked with a superscripted “s” (ˢyou), it means that the pronoun is singular. If a second person pronoun is marked with a superscripted “p” (ᵖyou), it means that the pronoun is plural. In cases where the singularity or plurality of a second person pronoun has been deemed to be sufficiently clear from the context, the second person pronoun may not be marked.+1:21ME(OTB)/IT. In Hebrew, Jesus’ name is Yeshua, which means “Yahweh saves” (see, eg, the HCSB footnote; NET Bible Notes, Mt 1:20). Information flow is built on the IT here, and therefore the IT has been made explicit in translation.+1:23Lit the woman will have in the womb. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.50). Cf ESV, NET, NLT, NRSV, RSV, YLT.+1:25Lit was not knowing her, or did not begin to know her. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.61). Cf most English translations.+1:25Lit him.+2:1Lit days. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:1Lit Magi. ME(H) (see BDAG, 608, sv μάγος 1; ESL, #3097; L-N, 62.40). Cf TEV.+2:4Traditionally “scribes.” ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Mt 2:4; UBSHS [Mt], 35). Cf NET.+2:4Or questioned them one after another. VPR. See VCC (Mt 2:4).+2:6Lit rulers/leaders/governors. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 37.59). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:6Mic 5:2+2:7Lit Magi. So throughout this section. See note at Mt 2:1.+2:7Lit the time of the shining/appearing star.+2:9Lit they.+2:9Lit behold. EFE. In Greek, ἰδοὺ ( idou) is a forward-pointing device that lets the reader know that something significant, surprising, or important is about to take place (see Runge, Disc Grammar, 122; LDGNT Intro, 1.4).+2:9Lit the star they had observed when it rose.+2:10Lit they.+2:10Lit they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:13Lit they.+2:13Or the angel. See note at Mt 1:20.+2:13Lit he.+2:14Lit he.+2:15Ho 11:1+2:18Lit because they are not. ME. Cf NLT, TEV.+2:18Jr 31:15+2:19Lit in Egypt. Cf NCV.+2:19Or the angel. See note at Mt 1:20.+2:20Lit it/he.+2:21Lit he.+2:22Lit in place of. ME. Cf CJB, TEV.+2:22Lit he.+2:23Lit a Nazarene. ME(OTB)/IT. Netzer is one of the Hebrew words for sprout, shoot, or branch (eg Is 11:1; see HCBC, 404-5; Vincent, Word Studies, 22.). Here Matthew is using a play on words to summarize the collective testimony of several prophets, namely, that the Messiah would be called the “Branch of the Lord” (cf Is 4:2, 11:1; Jr 23:5, 33:15; Zc 3:8, 6:12).+3:2Cf Is 13:6-9; Dn 2:34-35, 44-45; Jl 1:15, 2:1, 2:11, 2:31, 3:14; Ob 15; Zp 1:7-9, 14-18; Ml 4:5; Mt 5:20-24; Lk 10:11-12, 21:31; Rm 13:12; 1 Pt 4:7.+3:3Lit the paths, or your paths. ME(I/F). In this context, “make the paths straight” is being used metaphorically for repentance (see NET Bible Notes, Mt 3:3). For other examples of “paths” (τρίβος [ tribos] here and in the LXX) used metaphorically for conduct, see Ps 142:3; Pr 1:15, 3:17, 8:20; Is 59:8; Jr 18:15.+3:3Is 40:3+3:4Like Elijah the prophet. Cf 2 Ki 1:8, Lk 1:17.+3:6Or confessing.+3:6Cf Ps 32:3.+3:7Lit he.+3:7Lit to his baptism. ME.+3:8Or in keeping with repentance. Lit worthy of repentance. For the meaning of ἄξιος ( axios) in this context, see BDAG, 93, sv 1.b. Cf ESV, NET, NIV, TEV.+3:11Or in.+3:11Or at repentance, or with a view to repentance. For various ways to interpret the preposition here, cf ANLEX, 132, sv εἰς; BDAG, 291, sv εἰς 10.a; and LSGNT Notes, Mt 3:11.+3:11Or in.+3:11Cf Is 4:4; 32:15, 44:3; Jl 2:11; Ezk 39:28-29; Ml 3:2, 4:1-6.+3:12Cf Ml 4; Ps 1:4-5.+3:12Or with. Cf Is 30:27-33, 66:24; Mk 9:43, 48.+3:12Or in/with unquenchable fire. Cf Is 30:27-33, 66:24; Mk 9:43, 48; Re 14:9-11, 20:14. This is a reference to Gehenna (cf Mk 9:43, 48). It is therefore definite, even though anarthrous (for a discussion of nouns and definiteness despite the absence of the definite article, see Wallace, Grammar, 243-54). Note that the information has already been activated in verse 10. Therefore, it is also possible that anarthrous status of this element is functioning to give it some extra focus.+3:12Is 30:27-33, 66:24; Mk 9:43, 48; Re 14:9-11, 20:14.+3:15Cf Ml 3:1-5.+3:15Though several of the various shades of meaning associated with δικαιοσύνη ( dikaosune)—obeying God’s will, covenant faithfulness, God’s deliverance/salvation, etc—are possibly working together here on some level; and though Matthew does often employ δικαιοσύνη ethically in the sense of conduct in conformity with God’s will (for discussion, see UBSHS [Mt], 7), the primary focus of the context here is the beginning of the Messianic mission (a crucial turning point in redemptive history). Thus, “righteousness” in this context should be understood primarily in terms of its well-attested OT sense of Yahweh’s saving acts/acts of salvation/deliverance (see BDB, 841.2 [6], 842.1 [6]; translation and notes at Rm 1:17). Cf Ps 40:9-10 (esp ESV, RSV, NRSV, TEV); Is 41:10 (esp LEB, NCV, NET), 45:8 (esp NET), 46:12 (esp RSV, NRSV), 51:5 (esp RSV, NET, NRSV, TEV), 58:8 (esp LEB, NRSV, TEV), 62:1; Jr 23:6; Mic 6:5 (esp RSV, NRSV, TEV). There is no reason to think that Matthew’s understanding and use of “righteousness” is any less robust than that of the prophets! That is, if the prophets themselves employ “righteousness” with different contextually-defined nuances in the same body of material, why not Matthew?+3:15Lit allowed him. Cf NET.+3:16Or when Jesus was baptized, he came up immediately from the water.+3:16Or the skies. So throughout this section.+3:16Or upon. When used with verbs of motion, ἐπί (with its object in the accusative case, as here) functions as a marker of direction (see BDAG, 364, sv 4.b.). Though it is safe to assume that the dove did actually land on Jesus, “upon” with the imperfective verb of motion here actually creates a bit of a humorous picture. Cf Mk 1:10, where εἰς ( eis) is used.+3:17Cf Gn 22:2, 16; Is 42:1.+4:3Cf Ex 4:22; Dt 32:6-9; 2 Sm 7; 1 Ch 17; Ps 2, 89, 132; Is 1:2, 63:16, 64:8; Jr 31:9; Hs 11:1; Ml 2:10; Mt 2:15; Lk 3:38; Jn 1:49; 1 Co 15:45.+4:4Lit he.+4:4Dt 8:3+4:5Lit him.+4:5Or edge, or summit.+4:6Ps 91:11, 12+4:7Or also, or again. Cf LEB, NASB.+4:7The use of the second person singular in this quotation doesn’t indicate that God is addressing an individual, but that He is addressing the nation as a single entity (see NAC [Dt], 162).+4:7Dt 6:16+4:10See note at 4:7 above.+4:10See note at Mt 4:7 above. The same applies here.+4:10Dt 6:13+4:11Cf Gn 21:15-19; 1 Ki 19:5-8; Ps 78:23-25, 91:11; Lk 22:43; Heb 1:14.+4:12Lit he.+4:16Lit in a land and shadow of death. This is an example of hendiadys. Hendiadys is “the expression of an idea by the use of usually two independent words connected by and (as nice and warm) instead of the usual combination of independent word and its modifier (as nicely warm)” ( Miriam-Webster’s, sv). Cf HCSB, NIV, TEV. Cf also TWOT, 767, sv ṣalmāwet; UBSHS (Lk), 100; UBSHS (Ps), 233.+4:16Is 9:1, 2. Cf Is 42:6-7, 42:19; Lk 2:32.+4:17Lit began proclaiming and saying. Cf NET.+4:18Lit he.+4:23Lit he.+4:25Lit Decapolis (“Ten Cities”). ME(H)/IT (see FSB, Mt 4:25; HNTC, 46; Robertson, Word Pictures, Mt 4:25; TCBC, 399).+5:1Lit he.+5:2Lit he opened his mouth and began to teach them. ME(I/F/OTB). The idiom “opened his mouth” was a rhetorical device used to add weight and solemnity to an occasion of speaking (see FSB, Mt 5:2; JFB, Mt 5:2; Lange, Commentary, 101). Cf Jb 3:1; Dn 10:16.+5:3Or lowly, or humble, or needy, or afflicted, or poor. ME(OTB) (see UBSHS [Mt], 107-8; BDG, 776, sv עָנִי; TWOT, 682-4). For examples, cf LXX and MT (note also the parallelisms) at Ps 22:24, 34:6, 37:14, 40:17, 69:29, 72:2, 88:15, 102:1 (intro), 109:22, 140:12; Jb 34:28, 36:6. Cf also the MT and LXX at Ps 34:18 (33:18 in the LXX). See also note at Lk 4:18.+5:3Cf Dn 7:22.+5:4Cf Is 61:3, 66:10; Ezk 9:4.+5:4Cf Is 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 57:18; 61:2.+5:5Or the meek.+5:5Or ‘will inherit the earth.’ A quotation from Ps 37:9, 11. Cf Is 49:8, 58:13-14, 61:7, 65:9-10; Ezk 45:1, 47:21-23. Cf also CJB.+5:6Since the other promises in the “beatitudes” are eschatological in focus, most likely in view here is Yahweh’s righteousness in the sense of “deliverance” or “saving acts” (see notes at Mt 3:15 and Mt 5:10). For the motif of “hungering” or “thirsting” set in context to hope in Yahweh’s righteousness/salvation/deliverance, see Ps 42, 63, 143; Is 55; Re 21:6-7 (note the eschatological context and reference to the ‘inheritance’ in Re 21:7; cf Mt 5:5, directly above). Cf also Ps 84:2 (flesh “crying out”).+5:7Cf Dt 30:3; Ps 32:6; Is 14:1, 49:15-16, 54:8, 55:6-8; Ezk 39:25; Ho 1:6-7; Lk 1:78.+5:8Cf Ps 24:3-5, 73:1.+5:8Cf Ps 11:5, 17:5; Jb 19:26; Re 22:4.+5:9Lit sons.+5:9Cf Is 43:6; Jr 31:9; Ho 1:10; Lk 20:36; Rm 8:19-23; Re 21:7.+5:10Lit righteousness. ME(OTB). Cf Ps 31:18, 37:12-13; L-N, 88.13 In the Old Testament, the term “righteousness,” when used as a description of God’s servants (contrast this to Mt 3:15, 5:6, and 6:33, where God’s righteousness is in view; see note at Mt 3:15), usually denotes righteous ways, acts, and deeds that conform to God’s will. Cf, eg, Gn 18:19, 30:33; 1 Ki 3:6; Ps 106:3; Pr 8:18, 8:20, 10:2, 11:5, 11:18, 11:19, 12:28,13:6, 14:34; 15:9, 16:8, 16:12, 21:21; Is 5:7, 46:12, 48:1, 56:1, 58:2; Jr 4:2, 22:3, 22:15; Ezk 3, 18, 33; Ho 10:12; Am 5:6-7, 5:24, 6:12.+5:12Cf Ac 5:41.+5:12Cf Mt 6:19; 1 Ti 6:19; 2 Ti 4:1-8; 1 Pt 1:3-9.+5:13Or of the earth. Cf Mt 5:13-14. Gn 18:26-32; Ex 32:7-14; Nu 25:7; Is 59:16, 65:8; Jr 5:1; Ezk 14:14, 14:20, 22:20; Rm 11:4-5. Cf also CJB; Stern, JNTC, Mt 5:13-14.+5:13“In the ancient world...what was often sold as salt was highly adulterated and the sodium chloride could leach out in humid weather, in which case the residue (normally a form of lime) would be useless” ( L-N, 5.25).+5:13Cf Ezk 3:20, 5:7, 18:24, 18:26-29, 22:36, 33:12-18; Ml 2:1-9; Mk 9:42-49; Lk 9:62, 12:47, 14:25-33; Jn 6:66; 2 Ti 2:19-20; Heb 6:4–6, 10:26-27; 2 Pt 2:17-22; Re 2:5, 2:14-16, 2:20-23, 3:1-3, 3:15-19.+5:13Cf Lv 26:27-35; Dt 4:27, 28:64-68; 2 Ki 24:1-4; Is 5:5; Jr 9:16; Dn 9:24-27; Hab 1:5-6; Zc 13:7-9, 14:1-3; Mt 22:7, 23:37-24:2; Mk 13:1-2; Lk 21:5-6, 20-24.+5:14Cf Gn 12:3, 22:18, 26:4; Dt 4:5-8, 32-34; Ps 147:20; 2 Sm 7:23; Is 2:5, 42:6, 49:6, 60:3 Jr 4:2; Ezk 5:5; Lk 2:32; Ac 13:47.+5:14Cf Ps 48, 50:2; Is 2:1-4, 4:5, 25:6-8; Ezk 5:5.+5:16Or men, or people. Cf Gn 12:3, 22:18, 26:4; Dt 4:5-8, 32-34; Ps 147:20; 2 Sm 7:23; Is 2:5, 42:6, 49:6, 60:3 Jr 4:2; Ezk 5:5; Lk 2:32; Ac 13:47.+5:16Cf Ex 4:22; Dt 32:6; Is 1:2, 63:16, 64:8; Jr 31:9; Hs 11:1; Ml 2:10.+5:17Lit came to, or have come to. This rendering has been chosen to more clearly communicate the purpose present in the infinitive. The perfect tense with “come,” plus an infinitive, transfers into English a bit awkwardly. I have used “have come” in the following clause, though, since the negative particle is used there, making the statement sound more natural with the purpose statement. Cf TEV at Mk 1:24.+5:17Or to carry them out, or to fulfill them. The verb used here (πληρόω [ plēroō], lit “to make full,”) can mean to carry out/accomplish (see, eg, Lk 9:31); to bring to completion/fulfillment/goal (see, eg, Mt 1:22); and in a teaching context, to make fully known/fully clarify (see, eg, ESV, HCSB, NIV, NRSV, RSV at Col 1:25; cf also Rm 16:25, where the prophetic writings are cited as Paul’s source material for his exposition of “the mystery”). There is no reason to suppose that Jesus is not using the word in the fullest sense (pun-intended) possible here, with multiple nuances simultaneously at work. I offer the following reasons in support of this: (1) Lexically, πληρόω naturally lends itself to functioning on more broadly encompassing level when warranted by the context. (2) The Torah and the Prophets themselves form a complex corpus that includes a broad range of content, including stories, teachings, statutes, prophetic oracles, etc. Thus, the conceptual complexity of its direct object virtually forces πληρόω to multitask in this context, in order for “every yodh” and “all things” to “take place/happen” (v 18). (3) The Sermon on the Mount is obviously a teaching context that includes clarification, interpretation, correction, or expansion of prevailing ideas; at the same time, the use of γίνομαι (“take place/happen/occur/come to pass”) in v 18 indicates that prophesied events are also in view contextually. In sum, Jesus is the “arm of the Lord” (Is 53:1; cf Jn 12:38) and the “servant” (Is 52:13) who carries out and executes the Father’s redemptive plan as prophesied in the Torah and the Prophets; he is also the great Teacher (Is 30:21) who makes the purpose, meaning, goal, and authoritative interpretation of the Torah and Prophets fully known. For the gross misuse of this word in replacement theology, see Stern, JNTC, Mt 5:17. For more on πληρόω in the sense of “clarify,” see HNTC (Mt), 63; TCBC, 401. For more on the various renderings that have been proposed, see UBSHS (Mt), 123-124; ESS (Sermon on the Mount), 38.+5:18In Greek, γὰρ is marked for continuity and strengthening/support (see Runge, Disc Grammar, 51-54).+5:18Or the sky.+5:18Or land.+5:18Not out of existence altogether, but in their present form as tainted by evil and decay. Cf Gn 6:13, 9:11; Ps 72:5, 17, 89:36-37, 102:25-28, 148:6; Is 34:4-5, 65:17-25, 66:22; Jr 31:35-36, 33:20-21; 1 Co 7:31; Heb 1:10-12; Jm 1:10; 1 Pt 1:24; 4:7; 2 Pt 2:6, 3:13;1 Jn 2:17; Re 12:7-10, 21:1-4.+5:18Lit iota. ME(H/OTB). Iōta is the smallest letter of the Greek alphabet, and is here used in correspondence with yodh, the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet (see DBL Greek, #2740; L-N, 33.36; UBSHS [Mt], 125). Cf CJB.+5:18Lit one serif. ME (see DBL Greek, #3037).+5:19Lit looses. ME(H/OTB) (see note on “binding and loosing” at Mt 16:19). Cf ESV.+5:20See note at Mt 5:10. Note that the context (ie, the upcoming contrast between what God sees as righteous ways and the hypocritical ways and deeds of the religious leadership of the day [6:1-34]) gives further support that righteous ways and deeds and conduct are in view here.+5:20Cf Re 21:8.+5:21Lit the ancients. Cf HCSB, NLT+5:21Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17+5:21Or judgment, or condemnation.+5:22The context indicates that in these teachings the Messiah is engaging in the process of “binding and loosing” (v 19: “if someone relaxes,” literally, “if someone looses” [λύω], ie, contrary to Jesus’ own “binding and loosing” in the following discourse; for more on “binding and loosing” in its historical context, see note at Mt 16:19). Some of Jesus’ restrictive interpretations/requirements (His “bindings”) are stricter than those of His contemporaries, and some of his absolving interpretations/requirements (His “loosings”) are more forgiving and less severe than those of his contemporaries.+5:22ME. Lit “Raca,” an Aramaic word of contempt directed at the understanding or intelligence (see BDAG, 903, sv ῥακά; L-N, 32.61). See also Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014), 57–58.+5:22Lit before the Sanhedrin. ME(H)/IT. See Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014), 57–58.+5:22ME. Lit “you fool,” with connotations of deficiency in both intelligence and character (see Robertson, Word Pictures, Mt 5:22).+5:22Lit liable to the Gehenna of fire. Traditionally rendered “hell.” ME(H/OTB)/IT. See Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014), 57–58; BSL, Matt 5:22, sv γέεννα; BDAG, 190, sv γέεννα; L-N, 1.21; DBL Greek, #1147. Cf., Josh 15:8; 18:16; 2 Kgs 23:10; 2 Chr 28:3; 33:6; Isa 30:33; 66:24; Jer 7:31–32; 19:2, 6; 32:35.+5:27Ex 20:14; Dt 5:18+5:31Dt 24:1+5:32In order to survive, she would likely have had to resort to prostitution, an adulterous relationship (cf Jn 4:18), or a remarriage that (in principle, according to God’s ideal) was not legitimate (cf TEV). At the time only men could initiate divorce. For further discussion and more on the cultural context, see ESS (Sermon on the Mount), 74; L-N, 88.276; NAC (Mt), 111; UBSHS (Mt), 141. Cf Lk 16:18, Jn 4:16-18.+5:32The extra prominence given to the verb here suggests that if a man decides to marry a divorced woman (perhaps instead of just using her as a prostitute) despite the stigma she now bears, marriage is so binding and holy in God’s sight that even in this scenario such a man is, in principle, guilty of committing adultery.+5:33Lit the ancients. Cf HCSB, NLT.+5:33Or swear falsely, or commit perjury. Lv 19:12.+5:33Nu 30:2; Dt 23:21+5:34Lit not to swear oaths at all. ME (see UBSHS [Jm], 187). Cf NCV and TEV at Jm 5:12.+5:35Allusions to Is 66:1-2 and Ps 48:2.+5:36Cf Dt 32:39, 1 Sm 2:6; Jb 33:19-28; Ps 30:3, 102:23; Is 26:19; Jn 11:25.+5:38Ex 21:24; Lv 24:20; Dt 19:21+5:39In this section, Jesus is setting forth a correction in interpretive priority (cf Mt 23:23). The question in view is whether to extend mercy/pity/patience, or to withhold it (cf Dt 19:21). Jesus is not contradicting the Torah here by undermining the validity of retributive punishment altogether. Rather, he is placing interpretive weight and temporally-defined priority on the Torah’s requirements in the area of mercy/patience/steadfast love (eg Mic 6:8, Zc 7:9), in view of the retributive punishment that God himself will administer in the Day of the Lord. In the Day of the wrath, God himself will throw resurrected eyeballs and teeth into the Lake of Fire (cf Mt 5:29-30, 23:33, 10:28; Mk 9:42-49; Lk 12:5; Ac 24:15; Jn 5:28-29; Re 20:15). Until that time, He is relating to the wicked of the earth (all of us!) in mercy, restraint, and longsuffering (cf Ps 32:6; Is 55:6-7; Mt 5:48; Lk 6:36; Rm 2:1-5; 2 Pt 3:9, 15). He does this in accordance with his own revealed nature: He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness... forgiving iniquity,” (Ex 34:6 [ESV]), and yet, He “by no means leaves the guilty unpunished” (Ex 34:7 [NET]). Israel’s exile is prolonged for the sake of mercy toward the Gentiles (Rm 11:11, 30), and yet eventually the Gentiles who oppress Israel will be punished by God (eg, Jl 3, Zc 14)—and that with help of his vindicated people (Ps 148; Is 11:14; Zc 12:6). The Messiah, therefore, is not “doing away with” the Torah and Prophets here; rather, he is distributing interpretive weight, temporally-defined, over its contents so as to synchronize their interpretation and application with God’s revealed character. Many of the Pharisees and Torah teachers of the day were not doing this (cf Mt 23:4; Jn 8:1-11), and thus God’s character was being misrepresented before the people (cf Lk 15:1-16:15) by means of the very texts he had inspired (cf Mt 15:9).+5:39Lit not to stand against. ME(H). In this context, “standing against” somebody most likely means pressing charges in a court setting (see NAC, 113; UBSHS [Mt], 148). Cf Is 50:8 (LXX). Cf also 1 Co 6:1-11.+5:40Lit your tunic.+5:40A person’s cloak provided cover from the cold at night, and was thus protected by the Torah (Ex 22:26-27; Dt 24:12-13). To voluntarily give up one’s cloak, therefore, was a significant act of self-sacrifice.+5:41Lit whoever forces you to go one mile. ME(H). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV. In New Testament times, Roman soldiers had authority to compel civilians to carry loads for them for up to a mile (see DBL Greek, #30; HNTC, 69; L-N, 37.34).+5:41Lit go with him. ME. Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+5:42Or asking you for something, or begging you for something.+5:42Cf Dt 15:7-11.+5:43Lv 18:19+5:45Or become, or prove to be. Cf HCSB footnote.+5:45Lit sons.+5:48Lit blameless, or complete, or mature, or upright, or whole, or perfect. ME(OTB). See BDAG, 996, sv τέλειος b. The context here (God’s patience and mercy repeatedly extended to the earth over a long period of time despite its rebellion [v 5:45]), the parallel passage in Luke (Lk 6:36), and the reference to God’s own character (v 48), make it clear that Yahweh acting in accordance with the truth of his name (cf Ex 34:6-7) is what Jesus has in mind here (cf UBSHS [1 Jn], 31). The Greek word τέλειος ( teleios) may be (the NAC says, “probably is”) “reflecting an underlying Aramaic tamim” ( NAC, 115) (for examples of τέλειος ( teleios) used for the Hebrew tāmîm [“blameless” or “upright” or “whole”] in the LXX, see Gn 6:9, Dt 18:13). In OT theology, God being “upright,” or “blameless,” or “whole,” or “without defect,” or “intact,” or having “integrity,” or acting “in accord with truth and fact” (see BDB, 1071.1l; GHCLOT, 867, sv tāmîm) means that he always acts according to his own righteous character and nature, in context to his covenants (see, eg, Dt 32:4; Ps 18:30, 100:5; Pr 30:5). In other words, there is no discrepancy between who God is and what he does. He acts in a manner that is consistent and true to his character. God is merciful, longsuffering, forgiving, slow to anger, and steadfast in love, yet he also hates sin and burns with wrath toward it (see Ex 34:6-7); therefore, this is how he acts in relation to the inhabitants of the earth (again, in context to his covenants [see, eg, Gn 9:8-17; Jr 33:20-26]). Because he is slow to anger and steadfast in love/mercy, he restrains from pouring out his wrath and extends kindness to the earth over an extended period of time; eventually, however, the time of mercy comes to an end, and God pours out the wrath that had been storing up over time (cf Rm 2:1-11; 2 Pt 3). We, too, are to be steadfast in mercy, love, and patience even with respect to our persecutors and enemies now, in the knowledge that every injustice will be rectified in the age to come.+5:48Cf Ex 34:6-7.
=