King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:19 Mean?

Matthew 5:19 in the King James Version says “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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


Context

17

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19

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.

20

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus affirms the permanent authority of God's Law while warning against antinomianism. Breaking even 'least commandments' and teaching others to do so results in diminished status in the Kingdom. Greatness comes through obedience and faithful teaching, not through grace that ignores holiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish teachers debated which commandments were 'heavy' (important) and 'light' (less important). Some used this distinction to minimize certain laws. Jesus rejects this selective obedience and affirms all of God's revelation matters.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of God's commands are you tempted to consider 'small' or optional?
  2. How does obedience to Scripture's 'least' commands demonstrate love for God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 36 words
ὃς1 of 36

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν2 of 36
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

οὖν3 of 36

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

λύσῃ4 of 36

shall break

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

μίαν5 of 36
G1520

one

τῶν6 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐντολῶν7 of 36

commandments

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

τούτων8 of 36

of these

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

τῶν9 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐλάχιστος10 of 36

least

G1646

used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)

καὶ11 of 36

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διδάξῃ12 of 36

shall teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

οὕτως13 of 36

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

τοὺς14 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπους15 of 36

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐλάχιστος16 of 36

least

G1646

used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)

κληθήσεται17 of 36

he shall be called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἐν18 of 36

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ19 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείᾳ20 of 36

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν21 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν22 of 36

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ὃς23 of 36

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'24 of 36

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν25 of 36
G302

whatsoever

ποιήσῃ26 of 36

shall do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ27 of 36

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διδάξῃ28 of 36

shall teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

οὗτος29 of 36

them the same

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μέγας30 of 36

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

κληθήσεται31 of 36

he shall be called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἐν32 of 36

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ33 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείᾳ34 of 36

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν35 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν36 of 36

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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