MATTHEW CHAPTER FIVE
INTRODUCTION TO THIS STUDY

The purpose of this study work is to give you the original Greek language words and definitions for all the key words in this selected Bible text. This work does not make any effort to interpret the text in question, though some interpretation may occur naturally as a result of the study. The English translation used is the King James (Authorized) Version, not because it is the best translation available, but because I just plain prefer it for study!

All Scripture text will be presented in normal cased lettering, and all notes within the text will be in TRUE TYPE FONT, as shown. This (I hope) will allow you to avoid confusion between God's Word and my notes. As I update this website, I will continue to embellish the text so that anyone using NETSCAPE or MSIE 3.0 or higher will be able to read the document easier. Greek tenses are abbreviated as follows:

• GREEK TENSES:
• PR= Present Tense: Shows action in present time. When used with Active Voice, and Indicative Mood, often shows linear or continuing action.
• AO= Aorist Tense : Simple, undefined action. The time of the action is undefined, except in the indicative mood.
• FUT= Future Tense : Shows action of the verb as defined in the future.
• PER= Perfect Tense: The action was completed in the past, but has lasting and continuing results into the future.
• IMP= Imperfect Tense: Used only in the indicative mood, and refers to continuous or linear action in past time. As in "I was having".
• PLPF= Pluperfect Tense: The action was completed in the past, with continuing results in the past.
• GREEK CASES:
• GEN= Genitive Case: Usually indicates possession, though it can denote source of the action.
• INST = Instrumental Case: Usually denotes action on the object of the verb.
• DAT= Dative Case
• NOM= Nominative Case
• ACC= Accusative
• PL= Plural
• SG= Singular
• GREEK VOICES:
• AC= Active Voice: Action was completed by the subject of the verb.
• PAS= Passive Voice: The subject receives the action of the verb.
• MID= Middle Voice: The subject acts in some way upon itself or to itself.
• GREEK MOODS:
• IND= Indicative Mood : Makes an assertion of fact, and is used with all Greek tenses. Example: they will go, she saw.
• OPT= Optative Mood: Rarely used, it usually expresses a wish or desire.
• IMP= Imperative Mood: A command to do something.
• SUBJ= Subjective Mood: Makes an assertion about which there is some doubt, uncertainty, or indefiniteness.
• OTHER ABBREVIATIONS:
• PART= Participle : A verbal adjective, such as "having gone, receiving the gift".
• ABL= Ablative of source: When something is out of something. Example, The Spirit out of God.
• INF= Infinitive: A verbal noun, examples = to see, to go, to throw.

Matthew 5:1

And seeing (IDOU DE, Aorist Part = seeing all)

the multitudes, he went up (ANEBE, Aor Ac Ind = climbed up, departed up)

into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Matthew 5:2

And he opened (ANOIZAS, Aor Ac Part = opened)

his mouth, and taught (EDIDASKEN, Imper Ac Ind = kept on teaching)

them, saying, (LEGON, Pres Ac Part = kept on saying over and over, kept repeating)

Matthew 5:3

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are the poor in spirit: (PTAKOS PNEUMA = destitute of spirit. Refers to those lost. God provides the Plan of Grace for the lost)

for theirs (HOTI AUTON = because of them)

is (EIMI = Pres Act Ind = keeps on being)

the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are they that mourn: (PENTHOUNTES, Pres Ac Part = to be in a constant state of suffering or mourning)

for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:5

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are the meek: (PRAUS = a mental attitude toward humility)

for they shall inherit the earth. (Refers to the millennial Kingdom of Christ)

Matthew 5:6

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are they which do hunger and thirst (PEINONTES KAI DUPHONTES, Present Ac Participles = the hungering and thirsting ones)

after righteousness: (DIKAIO = righteousness, the Divine imperatives. A reference to operational salvation)

for they shall be filled. John 13.17

Matthew 5:7

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are the merciful: (ELEEMONES = compassionate, merciful ones. When we apply Grace to those around us, we are merciful and fulfill God's will)

for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are the peacemakers: (Every believer who witnesses is a peacemaker, EIRENOPOIOI, see Eph 2.13-18; 2 Cor 5.17-21)

for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:10

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are they which are persecuted (DEDIOGMENOI, Perf = persecuted with continuing results)

for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:11

Blessed (MAKARIOS = fortunate, blessed, happy, inner happiness)

are ye, when men shall revile (ONEIDISOSIN = to insult)

you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:13

Ye are (EIMI, Pres Ind Ac = you keep on being)

the salt (Salt is both a preservative and a flavor enhancer. Society is preserved when that nation is composed of Bible believing Christians. Salt also reminds us that we are in covenant with God, as salt was often used in ancient covenant vows)

of the earth: but if (third class condition: maybe yes, maybe no. Hypothetical thought)

the salt have lost his savour, (MORANTHE, Aor Pas Subj = has become tasteless)

wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, (BLETHENEXO, Aor Pas Part = having been cast out)

and to be trodden under foot of men.

Matthew 5:14

Ye are the light (Jesus is the light of the world [John 8.12], and when we allow Him to shine through our lives, we become the light of the world)

of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matthew 5:15

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine (LAMPSATO, Aor Ac Imper = shine with continuing results)

before men, that they may see your good (KALOS = good of intrinsic value. See 2 Cor 3.3; Acts 1.8)

works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:17

Think (NOMISETE = to presume, think something that is not true and therefore misunderstand. [Aor Act Subj] Jesus' ministry was a fulfillment of God's Law, not a destruction of it)

not that I am come (ELETHON, Aor Ac Ind = I am now come)

to destroy (KATALUSAI = depose, abrogate, nullify)

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

Matthew 5:18

For verily I say (LEGO, Pres Linear = keep on saying)

unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, (PARELTHE = depart)

one jot (IOTA = smallest of all characters in Hebrew alphabet)

or one tittle (KERAIA = a stroke in Hebrew alphabet called a WAW. Very small stroke)

shall in no wise pass from (APO = from the ultimate source of)

the law, till all be fulfilled. (GINOMAI, Aor Ac Subj = to come to pass, to become something it wasn't before)

Matthew 5:19

Whosoever therefore shall break (LUSE = infringe on. During the three year ministry of Christ on the earth, the Law was still fully in effect)

one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called (KLETHESETAI, Fut Pas Ind = shall be designated as)

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 5:20

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.
 

Translator's Notes: Human Good Only the good offered by God, not our own good, leads to salvation. We cannot be saved under the Mosaic Law, nor by our own efforts of righteousness. See Romans 3.20; Galatians 2.16

Matthew 5:21

Ye have heard (Sixth Commandment)

that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; (PHONEUSEIS = [do no] murder)

and whosoever shall kill (PHONEUSE = murder)

shall be in danger of the judgment: (KRISEI = legal system, law of the land. See Romans 13.4)

Matthew 5:22

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, (RAKA = Hellenized or Aramic word meaning a bastard, someone fatherless. Refers to someone who is unsaved)

shall be in danger of the council: (A reference to the Sanhedrin, those who ruled Israel as judges in Christ's day)

but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, (MORE = one who is mentally ill, someone who is sin sick)

shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:23

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (ECHEO TI KATA = has and holds something against you)

Matthew 5:24

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled (DIALLASSO, Ingressive Aor Pas Imper = to change, alter, transform. Settle your mind, and the mind of the offended, if at all possible)

to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Matthew 5:25

Agree (EIMI EUNOEO, Periphrastic Pres Imper = keep on having kind thoughts toward)

with thine adversary quickly, (TACHU = immediately)

whiles thou art in the way (idiomatic for "while in personal contact with)

with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. (In Israel's farming community loans were not usually paid back until the harvest. The adversary could foreclose on the loan, casting the farmer in prison)

Matthew 5:26

Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Matthew 5:27

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Exodus 20.14

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh (BLEPO = to have a fleeting glance at)

on a woman to lust (EPITHUMEO = to set your heart upon, covet)

after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Matthew 5:29

And if thy right (The right eye is the lead eye for a right handed person, and the quickest to pick up imagery)

eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
 

Jesus used this teaching method, pedagogy by shock, to drive a point home. He was not literally telling His listeners to tear their eyes out, but showing the hopelessness of trying to work your way to Heaven.

Matthew 5:30

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:31

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

Matthew 5:32

But I say (LEGO, Pres Linear = I keep on saying)

unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, (see Deuteronomy 24.1 on moral uncleanness of fornication)

causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Matthew 5:33

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear ( EPIORKESEIS = to make a statement that you will do something then fail to follow through, swear an oath then perjure yourself)

thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

Matthew 5:34

But I say unto you, Swear (OMOSAI = make a promise, an oath)

not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Matthew 5:35

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. (Refers to the Messiah)

Matthew 5:36

Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Matthew 5:37

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Colossians 3.17)

Matthew 5:38

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: (Note: This was a principle of law, not a method of personal revenge. Eye for an eye was only to be used by the Judge of the legal case)

Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, That ye resist (ANTEHISTEMI = to oppose or retaliate against)

not evil: (TO PONERO = the evil person)

but whosoever shall smite (RAPIZEI = to slap. In the ancient world a slap was an insult. Kings and noblemen slapped those who insulted their office. Applies not to physical abuse per se, but emotional humiliation)

thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. (When insulted publicly, do not stoop to the insulter's level - be a Christian)

Matthew 5:40

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, (CHITON = open necked vest that hung down to the knees. A covering)

let him have thy cloke (MATION = a mantle that went over the CHITON. Sense = give them the whole ensemble. Materialism should never strangle the Christian)

also.

Matthew 5:41

And whosoever shall compel (AGGAREUO = to draft into military service. Military officers in the ancient world could draft civilians into service to aid in troop movement. Sense = go beyond what your country expects of you in patriotic service)

thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Romans 13.1-7

Matthew 5:42

Give (DOS = Aor Act Imper = you will give)

to him that asketh (AITOUNTI = Pres Act Part = that keeps on asking. Refers to someone in need)

thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (ME APOSTRAPHES = Aor Pas Subjunctive = if possible, do not turn away)

Matthew 5:43

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate (MISEO = to love less. The Pharisees added this last part to the actual Law)

thine enemy.

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love (AGAPATE = Pres Act Imper = keep on loving)

your enemies, bless (EULOGEO = to speak well of)

them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray (PROSEUCHESTHE = Pres Act Imper = keep on praying)

for them which despitefully use (DIOKONTON = harass, malign)

you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be (GENESTHE = may be obvious, manifested, may become)

the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun (In an agricultural society sun was very important. This emphasized to the listeners that God offers grace to all)

to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 1 John 3.9; Hebrews 13.1-5

Matthew 5:46

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Matthew 5:47

And if ye salute (ASPASESTHE = socially fellowship with)

your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, (TELEIOI = Fut Act Indic = you shall be perfect. Refers to our future glorified state in Heaven. Since we are inheritors of the Kingdom, we should behave that was even now while on earth)

even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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