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Matthew 5:19

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:19

Verse 19 of 48

Scripture focus

Whosoever 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.

Matthew 5:19 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:19

Theological / Devotional

Break. Greek luo, “to loose,” “to break,” “to annul.” Kataluo (v. 17) is a stronger form.

Using the weaker form may show that even slight relaxing of commandments warrants being called least in the kingdom.

Least commandments. The scribes ranked law precepts by importance, allowing lesser laws to be nullified by greater ones. This legalism enabled circumventing God’s law (Matt. 23:4,14,17-19,23,24; Mark 7:7-13; John 7:23). Rabbis declared actions “permitted” or “forbidden.” Jesus taught all commandments are equally binding.

Teach men so. Like Jeroboam, who caused Israel to sin (1 Kings 14:16).

Called the least. That is, regarded as least worthy. Jesus did not imply lawbreakers would enter heaven but stated the kingdom’s attitude toward them. This is clarified in v. 20, where scribes and Pharisees who broke and taught breaking the law are excluded.

By SdaBc