You have heard that it was saidThis phrase indicates Jesus is addressing a common teaching or interpretation of the Law that His audience would have been familiar with. The phrase "You have heard" suggests an oral tradition or teaching that was prevalent among the Jewish people. It reflects the rabbinic method of teaching where the Law was often quoted and discussed. Jesus is referencing the traditional understanding of the Mosaic Law, which was taught by the scribes and Pharisees. This sets the stage for Jesus to provide a deeper, more spiritual interpretation of the Law.
‘Do not commit adultery.’
This commandment is the seventh of the Ten Commandments found inExodus 20:14 andDeuteronomy 5:18. Adultery, in the biblical context, refers to a married person engaging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse. In ancient Israel, adultery was considered a serious offense, not only against the spouse but also against God, as it violated the covenantal relationship. The prohibition against adultery was intended to protect the sanctity of marriage and the family unit, which were foundational to the social and religious life of Israel. In the broader biblical narrative, adultery is often used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God, as seen in the prophetic books like Hosea. Jesus, in this passage, is about to expand the understanding of this commandment beyond the physical act to include the intentions and desires of the heart, emphasizing the internalization of God's Law.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.
2.
The AudiencePrimarily Jewish followers and disciples who were familiar with the Mosaic Law.
3.
The Sermon on the MountA significant teaching event where Jesus expounds on the Law and introduces deeper spiritual principles.
4.
Mosaic LawThe original context of the commandment against adultery, found in the Ten Commandments.
5.
Mount of BeatitudesThe traditional location where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Law's IntentJesus emphasizes that the Law is not just about external actions but also about internal purity. The commandment against adultery is not only about physical acts but also about the purity of the heart and mind.
Guarding the HeartJesus' teaching calls for vigilance over our thoughts and desires. Adultery begins in the heart, and believers are encouraged to cultivate purity in their inner lives.
The Role of the Holy SpiritBelievers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's standards. The Spirit helps us to overcome sinful desires and to live in holiness.
The Importance of AccountabilityEngaging in community and accountability can help believers maintain purity. Sharing struggles and victories with trusted fellow believers can provide support and encouragement.
Reflecting Christ's CharacterAs followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in all areas of life, including our thoughts and relationships. This involves a commitment to integrity and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 5:27?
2.How does Matthew 5:27 expand on the commandment against adultery?
3.What does "You shall not commit adultery" imply about purity in thought?
4.How can we guard our hearts against lustful thoughts, according to Matthew 5:27?
5.What other Scriptures emphasize purity and holiness in relationships?
6.How can Matthew 5:27 guide our interactions with the opposite sex?
7.How does Matthew 5:27 redefine the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts?
8.What historical context influenced Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27?
9.How does Matthew 5:27 challenge modern views on fidelity and relationships?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5?
11.Is looking at a woman considered sinful?
12.What defines a thought crime?
13.What does 'Love Your Enemies' truly mean?
14.What defines a thought crime?What Does Matthew 5:27 Mean
You have heardJesus begins by reminding His listeners that they already know the commandment.
• He addresses people familiar with the Law given through Moses (Exodus 20:14;Deuteronomy 5:18).
• By saying “You have heard,” He connects to centuries of synagogue teaching, showing continuity with God’s earlier revelation (Psalm 19:7).
• Jesus affirms the unchanging moral foundation of Scripture while preparing to deepen its application (Malachi 3:6;Matthew 5:17).
that it was said,The phrase points to an authoritative word from God Himself, not mere human tradition.
• Jesus treats the command as divinely spoken, underscoring the reliability of every word (Psalm 119:89;Matthew 4:4).
• He signals that the original statement still stands; He is about to clarify, not cancel (Isaiah 40:8;Matthew 24:35).
• This approach models how believers today should value and obey the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16).
Do not commit adultery.The seventh commandment prohibits sexual intimacy outside the covenant of marriage.
• It safeguards the exclusivity and sanctity of the one-flesh union established inGenesis 2:24 (cf.Hebrews 13:4).
• Adultery violates a spouse, fractures families, and dishonors God, who is faithful in all His covenants (Hosea 3:1;James 4:4).
• Obedience brings blessing, while disobedience invites judgment—illustrated by David’s experience with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11–12;Proverbs 6:32-33).
• Jesus will go on (v. 28) to expose the heart-level lust that precedes the physical act, showing that purity is an inner as well as outer call (Job 31:1;1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
summaryMatthew 5:27 recalls God’s timeless command, “Do not commit adultery,” confirming its continuing authority. Jesus affirms what the Law says and prepares to reveal its deeper reach into thoughts and desires. The verse reminds us that God values marital faithfulness, protects relationships, and calls His people to mirror His own covenant loyalty in both action and attitude.
(27)
By them of old time.--Omitted in the best MSS. If retained, translate as before,
to them of old time. It was probably inserted for the sake of conformity with
Matthew 5:21. Here the words are simply those of the divine commandment, but it is given as it was taught in the Rabbinic schools, simply in the narrowness of the letter, without any perception that here too the commandment was "exceeding broad." It is with that teaching, as before, that our Lord contrasts His own.
Verses 27-30. -
Theseventh commandment. The verses occur in this form only here, but vers. 29 and 30 are found in
Matthew 18:8, 9 (parallel passage,
Mark 9:43-47), as illustrations of another subject (
vide infra).
Verse 27. -
By them of old time. Omit, with the Revised Version (cf. ver. 21, note). Thou shalt not (
Exodus 20:14;
Deuteronomy 5:18).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
You have heardἨκούσατε(Ēkousate)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.it was said,ἐρρέθη(errethē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2046:Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.‘Do not commit adultery.’μοιχεύσεις(moicheuseis)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3431:To commit adultery (of a man with a married woman, but also of a married man). From moichos; to commit adultery.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 5:27 You have heard that it was said (Matt. Mat Mt) 
