In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus intensifies the understanding of the law concerning adultery, which is part of His larger Sermon on the Mount. These verses not only address the physical act of adultery, but also the inner dispositions that lead to such sins, highlighting the seriousness with which Jesus regards the purity of the heart.
Commentary on Matthew 5:27-30
Verse 27-28: Redefining Adultery Jesus begins by recalling the traditional commandment, “You shall not commit adultery,” which is a direct citation from the Decalogue (Exodus 20:14). However, He extends the prohibition to include even lustful thoughts towards someone who is not one’s spouse, stating, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This internalization of the law radicalizes its demands by focusing not merely on external actions but on internal purity. The Greek term used here for “look” (βλέπω, blepo) implies an intentional and sustained looking, which suggests a premeditated indulgence in lustful thoughts, rather than a fleeting glance. This interpretation underscores the depth of transformation Jesus expects: a radical purity that governs not only actions but also thoughts and intentions.
Verses 29-30: Hyperbolic Remedies The subsequent verses use hyperbole to emphasize the seriousness of controlling one’s thoughts and actions. Jesus suggests that if one’s right eye causes them to sin, they should gouge it out, and if their right hand causes them to sin, they should cut it off. This vivid imagery is not a literal mandate for self-mutilation, but a metaphorical expression stressing the extreme measures one should be willing to take to avoid sin. The right eye and right hand symbolize actions and capacities highly valued in society, yet Jesus teaches that even these should be sacrificed if they lead to sin.
This passage illustrates a profound theological truth about the nature of sin and the radical nature of discipleship under Christ. It emphasizes the comprehensive dominion of God’s law over every aspect of human existence—internal and external. It challenges believers to strive for holiness with uncompromising rigor and reflects the profound spiritual renewal Jesus brings, transcending the letter of the law to instill its spirit deeply within the human heart.
Reflections and Questions for Thought
The Role of Intent in Sin: How does Jesus’ teaching about the lustful intent transform our understanding of sin and righteousness? Does this imply that the battle against sin is as much about internal transformation as it is about external conformity?
Hyperbolic Language in Ethical Teaching: How should we interpret and apply Jesus’ use of hyperbole in these teachings? What does this say about the approach we should take towards habitual sins or temptations in our lives?
Matthew 5:27-30 demonstrates Jesus’ call for a deeper, more comprehensive righteousness that begins in the heart. This passage not only redefines the boundaries of sin but also emphasizes the need for internal transformation that aligns with the outward observance of God’s commandments. It challenges believers to a profound introspection and radical commitment to holiness.
The passage of Matthew 5:27-30 from the Sermon on the Mount presents a radical intensification of the Mosaic Law concerning adultery. Jesus, by extending the law to include even lustful thoughts, redefines the essence of sin, placing the emphasis on the purity of the heart rather than merely on outward actions. This shift from physical actions to internal intentions underscores a broader theological principle: sin begins in the heart. Jesus’ approach reflects a profound understanding of human nature and the origin of sinful behaviors. The inner person—the thoughts and intentions—forms the true battleground where sin must be confronted and overcome.
In verses 29-30, Jesus employs hyperbolic language to emphasize the severity of sin and the extreme measures required to avoid it. The imagery of gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand, while not to be taken literally, serves a pedagogical purpose. It dramatizes the seriousness with which one must treat sin and the radical self-discipline needed to follow Christ’s teachings. This rhetorical technique underscores the struggle against sin as an existential fight for spiritual survival, where half-measures and superficial compliance are inadequate.
Reflective questions naturally arise from this passage:
First, considering Jesus’ focus on the intent behind actions, how does this shift our understanding of personal righteousness and ethical behavior in a contemporary Christian context? The battle against sin, as depicted by Jesus, suggests that true righteousness involves a transformation that penetrates to the core of our being—it is as much about cultivating purity in our inner thoughts as it is about our outward behaviors. This comprehensive approach challenges Christians to foster a holistic spirituality that integrates thoughts, actions, and desires into a unified and sanctified life.
Second, how should modern believers interpret and apply Jesus’ use of hyperbolic language in addressing moral and ethical issues? This method of teaching pushes us to consider the depth of our commitment to avoiding sin and the lengths to which we should be prepared to go in resisting temptation. It calls for a radical reevaluation of priorities and values, prompting believers to forsake anything that hinders spiritual growth or leads to sin, even if those things are highly valued in society. In practical terms, this might mean breaking off relationships, changing jobs, or abandoning certain practices if they lead us away from God.
These reflections invite a deeper engagement with the text and its implications for living a life that faithfully reflects the teachings of Jesus. They challenge us to a deeper, more committed discipleship, where the stakes are understood to be nothing less than our spiritual well-being and our witness to the world around us.
Intentional Faith 