Matthew 5:19
What does Matthew 5:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 5:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 5:19 means
Jesus delineates the consequences of how one regards and teaches the commandments. Those who intentionally disregard even the least of God's commandments and encourage others to do the same will hold a minimal position in the Kingdom of Heaven. Conversely, those who both practice and teach God's commands faithfully will be considered great within the Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of both obedience and instruction in embodying God's standards.
Matthew 5:19 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 · 2000Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Whoever then goes against the smallest of these laws, teaching men to do the same, will be named least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who keeps the laws, teaching others to keep them, will be named great in the kingdom of heaven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Whoever therefore may loose one of these commands--the least--and may teach men so, least he shall be called in the reign of the heavens, but whoever may do and may teach <FI>them<Fi> , he shall be called great in the reign of the heavens.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Whosoever then shall do away with one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of the heavens; but whosoever shall practise and teach [them], he shall be called great in the kingdom of the heavens.
Context
This verse logically follows Jesus' declaration of the Law's enduring authority in verse 18. It underscores the practical implications of that authority for His followers, specifically regarding their obedience and teaching. This sets up the striking statement in the next verse about the necessary surpassing righteousness for entering the Kingdom.
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.
v.19This passage
v.20For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:6
Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.
- Romans 13:8
Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.
- Matthew 23:16
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.
- Revelation 2:20
But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
- Deuteronomy 12:32
What thing soever I command you, that shall ye observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
- 1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:19
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Matthew 5:19 teaches us about kingdom ethics
What Matthew 5:19 teaches us about inner righteousness
What Matthew 5:19 teaches us about true blessedness
What Matthew 5:19 teaches us about light and salt
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