Matthew 5

The Beatitudes

1When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2He began teaching them: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn,
because they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek,
because they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
because they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful,
because they will receive mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart,
because they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers,
because they will be called children of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven. In the same way they persecuted the prophets who came before you.

Salt and Light

13“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown outside and trampled underfoot. 14You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. They put it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before people so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus and the Law

17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one iota or one small stroke will pass from the Law until everything takes place. 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Anger and Reconciliation

21“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that everyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be liable to judgment; whoever says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘Fool!’ will be liable to the fire of Gehenna. 23Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother or sister; then come and offer your gift. 25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are still on the way to court, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, the judge to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26Truly I tell you, you will certainly not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery and Integrity

27“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28But I tell you that everyone who looks at a woman in order to desire her has already committed adultery with her in the heart. 29If your right eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into Gehenna. 30And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into Gehenna. 31“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32But I tell you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on account of sexual immorality, causes her to be subjected to adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths

33“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your oaths to the Lord.’ 34But I tell you: do not swear at all—neither by heaven, because it is God's throne; 35nor by the earth, because it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36Do not swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37Let your word be simply ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ Anything more than this comes from evil.

Retaliation and Enemy-Love

38“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ 39But I tell you: do not retaliate against an evildoer. Instead, if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to them also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let them have your cloak as well. 41If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on evil and good people and sends rain on righteous and unrighteous people. 46If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing beyond others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Therefore, be complete, as your heavenly Father is complete.