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Matthew 5:17-19

“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

World English Bible · Public Domain
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Matthew 5:17-19 sits inside this longer paragraph.

“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.

    For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.

    Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    Thinke not that I am come to destroye the lawe or the Prophets: no I am nott come to destroye them but to fulfyll them.

    For truely I saye vnto you till heven and erth perisshe one iott or one tytle of the lawe shall not scape tyll all be fulfilled.

    Whosoever breaketh one of these lest commaundmentes and teacheth men so he shalbe called the leest in the kyngdome of heven. But whosoever obserueth and teacheth the same shal be called greate in the kyngdome of heven.

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    Think not that I am come to destroy the Lawe, or the Prophets. I am not come to destroy them, but to fulfill them.

    For truely I say vnto you, Till heauen, and earth perish, one iote or one title of the Law shall not scape, till all things be fulfilled.

    Whosoeuer therefore shall breake one of these least commandements, and teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdome of heauen: but whosoeuer shall obserue and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdome of heauen.

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Cross-references (132)

  • Romans 10:4 (v17) For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
  • Luke 16:17 (vv17–18) But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall.
  • Galatians 4:4-5 (v17) But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were…
  • Romans 8:4 (v17) that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
  • Romans 3:31 (v17) Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.
Show all 100 cross-references
  • Isaiah 42:21 (v17) It pleased Yahweh, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify the law and make it honorable.
  • Deuteronomy 12:32 (v19) Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.
  • Galatians 3:17-24 (v17) Now I say this: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so…
  • Isaiah 40:8 (v18) The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever.”
  • James 2:10-11 (v19) For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,”…
  • Psalms 119:89-90 (v18) Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever. Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.
  • 1 Peter 1:25 (v18) but the Lord’s word endures forever.” This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.
  • Matthew 7:12 (v17) Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Matthew 24:34-35 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. Heaven and earth will pass away,…
  • Psalms 40:6-8 (v17) Sacrifice and offering you didn’t desire. You have opened my ears. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering. Then I said,…
  • Hebrews 10:3-12 (v17) But in those sacrifices there is a yearly reminder of sins. For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.…
  • Matthew 28:20 (v19) teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
  • Romans 13:8-10 (v19) Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not…
  • Colossians 2:16-17 (v17) Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, which are a shadow…
  • Isaiah 51:6 (v18) Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish away like smoke, and the earth will wear out…
  • Matthew 11:11 (vv18–19) Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is…
  • Mark 13:30 (v18) Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.
  • 1 Timothy 6:3-4 (v19) If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which…
  • Daniel 12:3 (v19) Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and…
  • Acts 6:13 (v17) and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
  • Acts 18:13 (v17) saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
  • Psalms 119:6 (v19) Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
  • Psalms 119:128 (v19) Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.
  • Matthew 3:15 (v17) But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
  • Galatians 5:14-24 (v19) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, be…
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 (v19) Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that…
  • 1 Timothy 4:11-12 (v19) Command and teach these things. Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in…
  • Deuteronomy 27:26 (v19) ‘Cursed is he who doesn’t uphold the words of this law by doing them.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ”
  • Psalms 102:26 (v18) They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be…
  • Matthew 15:3-6 (v19) He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your…
  • John 8:5 (v17) Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What then do you say about her?”
  • Acts 21:28 (v17) crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover,…
  • Titus 3:8 (v19) This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be…
  • Revelation 2:20 (v19) But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to…
  • Revelation 20:11 (v18) I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
  • Matthew 19:28 (vv18–19) Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the…
  • John 5:19 (v18) Jesus therefore answered them, “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For…
  • Romans 6:1 (v19) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
  • Romans 6:15 (v19) What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be!
  • Galatians 3:10-13 (v19) For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things…
  • Philippians 4:8-9 (v19) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever…
  • 1 Timothy 6:11 (v19) But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
  • Titus 2:8-10 (v19) and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us. Exhort…
  • Revelation 2:14-15 (v19) But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling…
  • 1 Samuel 2:30 (v19) “Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father should walk before me forever.’ But…
  • Psalms 119:152 (v18) Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.
  • Matthew 5:26 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.
  • Matthew 10:23 (v18) But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of…
  • Matthew 13:17 (v18) For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them; and to…
  • Matthew 16:28 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his…
  • Matthew 17:20 (v18) He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this…
  • Matthew 18:3 (v18) and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
  • Luke 11:42 (v19) But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and God’s love. You ought to have done these,…
  • Luke 12:37 (v18) Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will dress himself, make them…
  • Luke 18:17 (v18) Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
  • John 5:24-25 (v18) “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has…
  • Malachi 2:8-9 (v19) But you have turned away from the path. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh…
  • Matthew 6:2 (v18) Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,…
  • Matthew 6:16 (v18) “Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be…
  • Matthew 8:10 (v18) When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a faith, not even in…
  • Matthew 10:15 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
  • Matthew 10:42 (v18) Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no…
  • Matthew 20:26 (v19) It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
  • Mark 14:9 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be…
  • Mark 14:18 (v18) As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me—he who eats with me.”
  • Mark 14:25 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.”
  • Mark 14:30 (v18) Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three…
  • Luke 1:15 (v19) For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even…
  • Luke 11:51 (v18) from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be required…
  • Luke 13:35 (v18) Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the…
  • Luke 18:29 (v18) He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for God’s…
  • Luke 21:32-33 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my…
  • Luke 22:24-26 (v19) A dispute also arose among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them,…
  • Luke 23:43 (v18) Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
  • John 1:51 (v18) He said to him, “Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on…
  • John 3:3 (v18) Jesus answered him, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom.”
  • John 3:5 (v18) Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.
  • John 3:11 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don’t receive our witness.
  • John 6:26 (v18) Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.
  • John 6:32 (v18) Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn’t Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you…
  • John 6:47 (v18) Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.
  • John 6:53 (v18) Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have…
  • John 8:34 (v18) Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.
  • John 8:51 (v18) Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.”
  • John 8:58 (v18) Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.”
  • John 10:7 (v18) Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door.
  • John 12:24 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much…
  • John 13:16 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him.
  • John 13:38 (v18) Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won’t crow until you have denied me three…
  • John 16:20 (v18) Most certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned…
  • John 16:23 (v18) “In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
  • John 21:18 (v18) Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch…
  • Acts 1:1 (v19) The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,
  • Romans 3:8 (v19) Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly…
  • Philippians 3:17-18 (v19) Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. For many walk, of whom I told…

100 distinct cross-references across this passage (132 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (26 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv17, 19 That the prophecies may be accomplished.

That the prophecies may be accomplished.

Christ came not to bring any new way of righteousness and salvation into the world, but to fulfill that in deed which was shadowed by the figures of the Law, by delivering men through grace from the curse of the Law: and moreover to teach the true use of obedience which the Law appointed, and to engrave in our hearts the force of obedience.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv17–19 17 Think not that I am come to destroy…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv17–19 There are so many adversaries, Jews, papists, Socinians, Anabaptists,…
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Our Saviour here informs his followers, That he had…
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v17 Those to whom Christ preached, and for whose use…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Think not that I am come to destroy the…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Think not - Do not imagine, fear, hope, that…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Verse 17. Think not that I am come to…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Mat 5:17. Think not that I am come to…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Think not that I am come ... - Our…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Not to destroy the law, &c. It is true,…
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures 1864 · Public Domain On v17 The doctrine and righteousness of Christ the genuine development…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv17–19 IDENTITY OF THESE PRINCIPLES WITH THOSE OF THE ANCIENT…
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv17–19 II. CHRISTIAN PIETY DISTINGUISHED FROM JUDAISM, Mat_5:17 to Mat_6:19.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv17–19 B. The Kingdom of Heaven is a fulfilment of…
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv17–19 (17) Here a new section of the discourse begins,…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Ver. 17-Mat_6:18. Having spoken of the ideal character of…
John A. Broadus 1886 · Public Domain On v17 Mat 5:17-26.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv17, 19 But to fulfil.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv17–19 17. Think not that I am come to destroy…
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v17 The aim and contents of the “Sermon.”—No mere sermon…
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On v17 J. W. McGarvey's The Fourfold Gospel [XLII. D. Messianic…
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v17 I am not come to destroy
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv17–19 Christ Confirms and Expounds the Law of Moses.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv17, 19 Connecting Statement:
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv17, 19 5:17 Abolish would mean to eliminate and replace the…
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