Matthew 5 · a question people ask

"You have heard that it was said" (5:21). Is everything Jesus quotes in these sayings in the Old Testament?

In the text

Not all of it word for word, and Jesus doesn't say where any of it was said. Some of his words are in the law in the WEB: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), and "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). Some are in the law in other words: "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" (5:38) beside "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus 21:24), and "perform to the Lord your vows" (5:33) beside "When a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word" (Numbers 30:2). The saying in 5:31 is set beside the law's words in the section Divorce, beside Mark 10. Here is what almost everyone misses: the words of three phrases Jesus gives are in no verse of the WEB's Old Testament: "Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment" (5:21), "You shall not make false vows" (5:33), and "hate your enemy" (5:43). Jesus says only that "it was said", and twice that it was said "to the ancient ones" (5:21, 5:33). He doesn't say who said them, and these notes don't either.

The verses

““You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’”
Matthew 5:21 · World English Bible
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’”
Matthew 5:27 · World English Bible
““Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’”
Matthew 5:33 · World English Bible
““You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’”
Matthew 5:38 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Matthew 5

Matthew 5: Blessed

In Matthew 5 the first and the eighth "Blessed" sayings end with the same words, "for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" (5:3, 5:10). And the first time Matthew calls God Father is here, in Jesus's words: "glorify your Father who is in heaven" (5:16).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Matthew 5

All questions about Matthew →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions