Matthew Chapter 5 – Commentary and Explanation Bible Study
Matthew chapter 5 is one of the most well-known and most powerful sections in the whole New Testament. This chapter opens the Sermon on the Mount, which is basically Jesus’s longest recorded teaching in one continuous flow. It runs from Matthew 5 through Matthew 7. And honestly, this sermon is not just religious instruction, it’s like a blueprint for living in God’s kingdom. It flips human ideas upside down and shows what true righteousness is, compared to just outward religion.
Let’s walk through this chapter step by step, breaking it down verse by verse, while keeping things in a study style but still conversational, almost like we’re sitting down with coffee and reading through the text together.
Setting the Scene (Matthew 5:1–2)
“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying…”
So Jesus is not speaking here in a synagogue, not inside Jerusalem’s temple, but on a mountain slope by the Sea of Galilee. He sees the crowd, he goes up higher, and he starts teaching. This is not just some random talk. It is intentional. It mirrors Moses going up Mount Sinai to receive the law, but instead of stone tablets, Jesus gives the living Word directly. The disciples come close, but the multitudes are also listening in. So yes, it is personal, but also public.
This matters because Matthew constantly connects Jesus to Old Testament fulfillment. Moses gave the law, Jesus explains and fulfills the law.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12)
This section is probably one of the most famous teachings of Jesus. The word “Beatitudes” comes from the Latin word beatus meaning blessed or happy. But it’s not happiness like worldly excitement. It’s deeper—it’s about being approved by God, having true spiritual joy, no matter circumstances.
Verse 3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Poor in spirit means not physical poverty but spiritual humility. People who realize they are spiritually bankrupt without God. Those who stop pretending they are self-righteous. To them belongs the kingdom of heaven. Humility is the entry door into God’s kingdom.
Verse 4 – “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
This is not just crying because of life’s struggles (though God comforts that too). It’s mourning over sin, over brokenness, over the world’s corruption. That type of sorrow brings God’s comfort.
Verse 5 – “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
Meek doesn’t mean weak. It means strength under control, gentleness that trusts God rather than forcing your way. The proud conquer lands, but God promises the meek will inherit the earth in His kingdom.
Verse 6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
Righteousness is not just moral deeds but right standing with God and living according to His ways. Those who crave it like starving people crave food, will find satisfaction in Christ.
Verse 7 – “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Mercy here is forgiveness and compassion. If we show mercy, we open the door to receive mercy from God and others.
Verse 8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
This is not about outward ritual purity but inward honesty. A heart without divided loyalty, without hypocrisy. Such people will see God both now in faith and one day face to face.
Verse 9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Notice it doesn’t say peace-lovers but peace-makers. That means actively reconciling, bringing harmony, pointing people to God’s peace. That reflects God’s nature, so they are called His children.
Verse 10–12 – “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…”
Jesus prepares his followers: living godly will bring pushback. The world doesn’t like righteousness. But persecution for Christ’s sake brings heavenly reward. Jesus even says rejoice when it happens, because the prophets also were treated that way.
This introduction is radical already. In the world, people say blessed are the rich, powerful, and strong. But Jesus flips it. Blessed are the humble, the merciful, the pure, and the persecuted.
Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13–16)
Now Jesus shifts to identity.
Verse 13 – “Ye are the salt of the earth…”
Salt in the ancient world was for preservation and flavor. If salt loses flavor, it’s useless. Christians are meant to preserve goodness and add the flavor of God’s truth in society.
Verse 14–16 – “Ye are the light of the world…”
Just like a city on a hill can’t be hidden, Christians should shine. Not for pride, but so people may see good works and glorify the Father. Notice the balance: don’t hide your faith, but also don’t shine for your own fame—shine so people glorify God.
Jesus and the Law (Matthew 5:17–20)
This part is super important.
Jesus says: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (v.17)
He makes clear: He didn’t come to throw out the Old Testament. Instead, He fulfills it perfectly. He is the completion of what the Law pointed toward.
He warns: not even the smallest letter (jot or tittle) will pass away until all is accomplished. And unless our righteousness exceeds the Pharisees, we will not enter the kingdom. That statement must have shocked listeners. Pharisees were seen as ultra-righteous. But Jesus is saying their righteousness was surface-level. God wants heart righteousness.
Six Antitheses (Matthew 5:21–48)
From verse 21 onward, Jesus gives six examples where He contrasts what was said with what He now commands. Each starts with “Ye have heard… but I say unto you.” He’s not changing the law but showing its deeper meaning.
1. On Anger (v.21–26)
“You have heard, ‘Do not kill.’ But I say if you are angry with your brother, you are in danger of judgment.”
Jesus shows murder begins in the heart. Angry insults already break the command. He calls for reconciliation before worship.
2. On Adultery (v.27–30)
“You have heard, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say if you look with lust, you commit adultery in your heart.”
Here again, sin is not only the act but the intention. He uses hyperbole: if your eye causes sin, pluck it out. Not literal, but a strong call to radical holiness.
3. On Divorce (v.31–32)
Moses allowed divorce with a certificate. But Jesus says divorce apart from sexual immorality leads to adultery. He restores God’s original intent for marriage: permanence.
4. On Oaths (v.33–37)
People swore oaths to prove honesty. Jesus says don’t swear at all. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Be truthful without swearing by heaven or earth.
5. On Retaliation (v.38–42)
“You have heard, an eye for an eye…” That law limited revenge to fairness. But Jesus goes further: don’t resist evil with evil. If someone slaps you, turn the other cheek. If they take your coat, give your cloak also. If forced to go one mile, go two. He calls for radical non-retaliation and generosity.
6. On Love (v.43–48)
“You have heard, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that persecute you.”
This is the climax. God sends sun and rain on both good and evil. Be perfect as your Father is perfect. That means complete, mature love.
Themes and Applications
Matthew 5 is revolutionary. Let’s reflect on a few themes:
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Kingdom Values are Upside-Down. The Beatitudes show God blesses the humble, not the proud. True joy comes from dependence on Him.
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Righteousness is Deeper than Rules. Pharisees kept outward law, but Jesus looks at the heart: anger, lust, selfishness.
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Identity Matters. Salt and light means Christians are called to influence the world, not hide away.
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Love is the Core. The climax is enemy-love. That is truly divine. Human love stops with friends, but God’s love embraces enemies.
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Perfection as Maturity. “Be perfect” doesn’t mean sinless perfection in this life, but aiming for completeness, maturity, godlike love.
Living Out Matthew 5 Today
This chapter still challenges us. Honestly, no one can live Matthew 5 perfectly by themselves. It drives us to Christ. He fulfilled the law, and by His Spirit, we grow in these ways.
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Are we poor in spirit, or do we think we are self-sufficient?
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Do we hunger for righteousness, or just comfort?
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Do we shine light in dark places, or hide faith to fit in?
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Do we forgive and reconcile, or keep grudges?
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Do we live with integrity, letting our yes be yes?
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Do we practice radical love, even to enemies?
Hard questions, but this is the call of Jesus’s kingdom.
Conclusion
Matthew 5 is both inspiring and impossible without God’s grace. It sets the tone for the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is not just giving moral tips; He is describing the lifestyle of those who belong to His kingdom. It reveals our need for Him, and at the same time shows us the beauty of life under His reign.
When you read Matthew 5, don’t just treat it as theory. It’s life. It’s what it means to follow Jesus. He flips the world’s values, He goes deeper than external rules, and He calls us to love beyond natural limits.
So next time you feel like the Christian life is too demanding, remember—this sermon points us back to the One who perfectly lived it. And through Him, little by little, we can too.
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