Devine Scripture

Matthew 5:17

What does Matthew 5:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 5:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 5:17 means

Jesus directly addresses a potential misunderstanding regarding His purpose: He did not come to abolish or dismantle the Old Testament Law and the writings of the prophets. He strongly affirms their enduring authority and divine origin. Instead, His mission was to "fulfill" them. This fulfillment includes perfectly obeying the Law, explaining its true depth and spiritual intent, and ultimately accomplishing all the prophecies and types within it, particularly those pointing to Himself as the Messiah.

Matthew 5:17 in context

Matthew 5 — The Beatitudes

Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with eight pronouncements that turn the world's value system upside down. Blessing belongs not to the proud and self-sufficient but to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. In a few sentences he sketches the character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and then calls them salt of the earth and light of the world.

  • Kingdom ethics
  • Inner righteousness
  • True blessedness
  • Light and salt

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let there be no thought that I have come to put an end to the law or the prophets. I have not come for destruction, but to make complete.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Do not suppose that I came to throw down the law or the prophets--I did not come to throw down, but to fulfil;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Think not that I am come to make void the law or the prophets; I am not come to make void, but to fulfil.

Context

This verse marks a significant transition in the Sermon on the Mount. After discussing the character and influence of His disciples, Jesus now clarifies His relationship to the Old Testament Law. This statement is crucial for His Jewish audience, directly preceding His authoritative interpretation and reapplication of the Law.

v.16Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

v.17This passage

v.18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 8:5

    Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such: what then sayest thou of her?

  • Matthew 7:12

    All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.

  • Romans 10:4

    For Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth.

  • Matthew 3:15

    But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.

  • Romans 8:4

    that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  • Hebrews 10:3

    But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance made of sins year by year.

Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:17

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Matthew 5:17 teaches us about kingdom ethics

  • What Matthew 5:17 teaches us about inner righteousness

  • What Matthew 5:17 teaches us about true blessedness

  • What Matthew 5:17 teaches us about light and salt

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