Matthew 5:21 The killing judgment

There are some interesting connections of the Beatitudes to another statement made by Jesus as recorded in Matthew.

The Beatitudes can be connected to church history and with the Kingdom Parables and with the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. Redundancy and fault tolerant principles can be used to provide additional meaning to the Beatitudes.

More: Beatitudes connections

pigs	Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
fish	5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]
birds	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. [kjv]
sheep	5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

Words in these verses may be code words, have double meanings, be play on words, etc. The Greek words may have been changed, omitted, etc. [top-down view]

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

Let us match up the following verses. Matthew 5:1-2 is the introduction of the 111 verses of the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:3-9: 7 in forward order
Matthew 5:10-16 in reverse order

Topic	#	#	Topic	Animal analogy
Poor in spirit	3	16	light and works	Sheep
Mourn and comfort	4	15	candle in house	Birds ‑ weeds and false light
Meek and inherit	5	14	city on hill	Fish ‑ attracted to light and trees
Righteous appetite	6	13	salt	Pigs ‑ recruited to block and trample
Mercy and alms	7	12	great reward	Sheep and goat separation
Pure in heart	8	11	evil talk	Fish separation
Peacemakers	9	10	evil deception	Birds ‑ no separation

Let us now look at each row of the table.

More: Sermon on the Mount connections

Jesus and Zaccheaus: (verb). A few verses later is the Palm Sunday entrance of Jesus.

Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. [kjv]

και ως ηλθεν επι τον τοπον αναβλεψας ο ιησους ειπεν προς αυτον ζακχαιε σπευσας καταβηθι σημερον γαρ εν τω οικω σου δει με μειναι [gnt]

19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. [kjv]

και ιδοντες παντες διεγογγυζον λεγοντες οτι παρα αμαρτωλω ανδρι εισηλθεν καταλυσαι [gnt]

Jesus and the law and the prophets: (verb). This is near the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. [kjv]

μη νομισητε οτι ηλθον καταλυσαι τον νομον η τους προφητας ουκ ηλθον καταλυσαι αλλα πληρωσαι [gnt]

The English is "fulfill" or "fill full". The Greek for "complete" can involve adding or taking away - as in a sculpture where parts of the material are chipped away.

More: Luke 19: A short discussion on stature

More: Matthew 5: 17 Leave the light on but do not use the law as a residence inn

Matthew 5:18 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. [kjv]

There is only one "reality". There are many perceptions of "reality".

The "light" is the "true light" or "truth" or "reality".
The "false light" is "darkness" or "false reality" which does not exist.

The "reality" or "true reality" (Jesus) will not "pass by". Any "false reality" is a perception and can take two forms of deception that will "pass by".

Added rules/requirements: "invalid logic" as in "antennas" or "horns" or "tittles".
Added opinion/glory: "empty opinion" as in "spots" or "iotas" or "jots".

More: Matthew 5:18 The true reality of jots and tittles

Matthew 5:19 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. [kjv]

As in the "peacemaker" verse, 10 verses earlier, Jesus does not say who it is who is doing the "calling". The paraphrase fits any human organization. This meaning does not necessarily make the traditional interpretation invalid.

Paraphrase: Whoever breaks the least of the rules established by the bird for the birdhouse, and teaches others in that birdhouse to do so, will be called least in that birdhouse. But whoever does and teaches those bird rules shall be called great in the birdhouse.

To "preach" or "teach" in the birdhouse, one must espouse the views, not of God or Jesus, but of the lead bird.

[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]

More: Matthew 5:19-20 Righteous commandment breaking

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. [kjv]

λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι εαν μη περισσευση υμων η δικαιοσυνη πλειον των γραμματεων και φαρισαιων ου μη εισελθητε εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων [gnt]

Unlike an earlier verse, there is no "amen" or "verily" or even "blessed" starting this verse. The "righteousness" can be God's "righteousness" or man's "righteousness" (or both). Context is important.

Paraphrase: Except your righteousness (as defined by the birds) exceeds the righteousness of those birds, you shall not enter and/or be promoted as a member of that birdhouse.

Note that this alternate meaning does not make the traditional interpretation invalid.

[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]

More: Matthew 5:19-20 Righteous commandment breaking

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ου φονευσεις ος δ αν φονευση ενοχος εσται τη κρισει [gnt]


(divide) (rinse) (discern)	Yes abstract passive	No physical active

The word for "judgment" is that of "separation". In context, it could be "judgment" with additional ramifications.

Matthew 5:21

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KJV: 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:

Greek: ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ου φονευσεις ος δ αν φονευση ενοχος εσται τη κρισει

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. [kjv]

μη κρινετε ινα μη κριθητε [gnt]

	1. "κρίνω" ≈ "separate" which is related to "κριθη" ≈ "barley". "ἀποκρίνω" ≈ "answer a question" by separating (judging).
	2. "κρίμα" ≈ "decision, sentence" related to "crime". "κρίσις" ≈ "decision, determination" source of "crisis".
	3. "κατακρίμα" ≈ "enforcement of penalty". "κριτής" ≈ "judge" may be involved in all three parts of the process.

Pilate has power to do all three parts. The only "separation" in Matthew 7 is that of who is going through the "narrow gate" (heaven) or remaining in the "wide area" (hell).

More: Matthew 7:1-2 Here comes the judge, but just barley


	lol : LOL laughing out loud

The idea that once someone sees something, they "can't unsee it" is part of what known as the "frequency illusion" or "Baader-Meinhof phenomenon".

What fast food does Jesus give to you?

1. The bread of life. 2. Sweat peas.

Mondegreens are misheard song lyrics that, once heard, are not easily forgotten.

Gladly, the cross-eye bear
Lead on oh kinky turtle
A maze of grapes, how sweet and round
Bringing in the sheets (or cheese)
Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me
He leadeth me beside distilled waters

Jesus gives me sweet peas
Blessed art thou, a monk swimmin'
Lead us not into Penn Station
There is a bomb in Gilead
While shepherds washed their socks by night

More: Mondegreens: misheard lyrics

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "ἀκούω" ≈ "hear" and assumes understanding of what is heard. It is the source of the English word words such as "acoustic" and is cognate with the English word "hear" and "harken".

The second Kingdom Parable of the wheat and the weeds provides an explanation of the phrase "you have heard it said". One should promote the truth without verbally (or physically) attacking other views.

More: 2 Timothy 4:1-5 The moving ethics of tinnitus and itching ears

More: Matthew 13: Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox

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Promote ideas

Attack ideas

Attack opponent

1: Traditional Christian view (from Jesus)
3: Traditional atheistic humanistic view (throughout history)

Think of how politics in the United States has changed over time.

Discuss: Did taking prayer out of public school have any noticeable effect before and after early April 1962? What happened 40 prophetic years (360 day years) later?

Discuss: Does complete separation of church and state (which contradicts the Constitution) cause any noticeable logical or reality problems or issues?

More: Matthew 13: Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

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, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. [kjv]

Both Jesus and you can say "you have heard it said ...". It is up to the listener to remember that the pastor said the same thing in the sermon that morning. However:

Jesus can say "but I say to you ...".
You can say "but the Bible or Jesus says (or appears to say)...".

Just saying!

Some churches do not want you to bring up what the Bible says since it does not agree with their personal opinion (glory).

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. [kjv]

λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι εαν μη περισσευση υμων η δικαιοσυνη πλειον των γραμματεων και φαρισαιων ου μη εισελθητε εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "λεγω" ≈ "I say" and is the source of the English word "legacy". A "legacy" is what people "say" about you. How important is it as to what God says about you?

You can pronounce the Greek word as the "Lego" in "Lego" blocks.
Some pastors are fixated with their own "legacy" and will attempt to "influence" or "manipulate" others saying "what will others say of you when you are gone", sometimes suggesting they leave their estate to the church (to, in part, support their salary and/or retirement). It appears that the only "legacy" we should be concerned with is the "legacy" of Jesus. We should pass that "legacy" on to our children and others.

More: Romans 16 A belly-ache pun on useful Christ-like words

Matthew 5:20

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KJV: 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.

Greek: λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι εαν μη περισσευση υμων η δικαιοσυνη υμων πλειον των γραμματεων και φαρισαιων ου μη εισελθητε εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ου φονευσεις ος δ αν φονευση ενοχος εσται τη κρισει [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "φονεύω" ≈ "murder, kill, slay". The modern Greek word "φονεύω" (fo-NEV-o) ≈ "murder, kill".

The Greek for "kill" is the same word used in the LXX (Septuagint) in the commandments.

Discuss: Is it acceptable to try to "kill" what are considered bad jokes?

Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill. [kjv]

ου φονευσεις [lxx]

Is there a difference between "killing" and "murdering"?

In order to undercut the Bible, some pastors will recount places in the OT (Old Testament) where God says to kill everyone in an area without providing any reason by which God might have done this. One reason: In entering the Promised Land, as a remez (hidden message) as a hint or foreshadowing of the End Times, there is vengeance of God in both places.

Such pastors often use or imply phrases such as the following (used by the serpent against Eve, by the devil against Jesus, etc.).

Did God really say ... ?
You can be as (a) God (knowing the difference between good and evil).

If called on to clarify what they have said, clever pastors will use plausible deniability as one of their defensive tools against being called out.

Details are left as a future topic.

More: Exodus 20:1-26 The Ten Commandments

More: Steganography: hidden messages

Exodus 20:13

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KJV: Thou shalt not kill.

Hebrew: לא תרצח׃

Greek: ου φονευσεις

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ου φονευσεις ος δ αν φονευση ενοχος εσται τη κρισει [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "φονεύω" ≈ "murder, kill, slay". The modern Greek word "φονεύω" (fo-NEV-o) ≈ "murder, kill".

Can someone "kill" by "deception"?

Pastors who deceive by misrepresenting what the Bible says, either explicitly (by what they say) or implicitly (by what they do not say) appear to be engaging in "idle words" (words that do not work for Christ) and, if not satisfactorily accounted for later, appear to represent what is called the "unpardonable sin".

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting

Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [kjv]

και μη φοβεισθε απο των αποκτεινοντων το σωμα την δε ψυχην μη δυναμενων αποκτειναι φοβεισθε δε μαλλον τον δυναμενον και ψυχην και σωμα απολεσαι εν γεεννη [gnt]

Jesus tells us who we should "fear" and it is not "fear" about the cares and concerns of this world. The most dangerous attacks are not from the outside but from the inside and involve deception.

One cannot "destroy the soul" by "killing" the body is in persecution (e.g., by the Roman administrations). The primary way to "destroy the soul" is through deception so that you "sell yourself out" or are "sold out".

Jesus provides an example in the next verse.

More: The fear deception: focus on friends rather than Jesus

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]

ουχι δυο στρουθια ασσαριου πωλειται και εν εξ αυτων ου πεσειται επι την γην ανευ του πατρος υμων [gnt]

Discuss:

How might "sparrows" (birds of the evil one) deceive to "destroy the soul" in order to achieve "earthly gain" (money) by "selling out"?
Do "sparrows" succeed because those being deceived do not "understand"? This is what Jesus says of the birds in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13.
Have those "deceived" separated themselves from the love of Christ?

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ου φονευσεις ος δ αν φονευση ενοχος εσται τη κρισει [gnt]

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, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. [kjv]

εγω δε λεγω υμιν οτι πας ο οργιζομενος τω αδελφω αυτου ενοχος εσται τη κρισει ος δ αν ειπη τω αδελφω αυτου ρακα ενοχος εσται τω συνεδριω ος δ αν ειπη μωρε ενοχος εσται εις την γεενναν του πυρος [gnt]

The KJV (King James Version) often uses "in danger" whereas the meaning is that of being "bound by" whatever is connected to the word. This word appears four times in verses 21-22 as the ancient Greek word "ἔνοχος" ≈ "hold in, bound by, liable" and means, literally, "holding in". In legal terms it means "guilty" which is the meaning of the modern Greek word "ένοχος" (EH-no-khos) ≈ "guilty".

"εν" ≈ "in" and "ἔχω" ≈ "hold".

[translation issues]

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ου φονευσεις ος δ αν φονευση ενοχος εσται τη κρισει [gnt]

Possible play on words:

"ἔνοχος" ≈ "hold in, bound by, liable"
"εν ὄχλος" ≈ "in the crowd" where "ὄχλος" ≈ "multitude, crown"

Consider:

... in danger of the judgment ...
... in the crowd of the judgment ... (wide area, not the narrow gate)

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ου φονευσεις ος δ αν φονευση ενοχος εσται τη κρισει [gnt]

NIV (New International Version): You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.
NLT (New Living Translation): You have heard that our ancestors were told, You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.
Good News Translation: You have heard that people were told in the past, Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.
Berean Literal Bible: You have heard that it was said to the ancients, You shall not murder and Whoever shall murder will be liable to the judgment.

5:21 paraphrase: You have heard (with understanding) that it was said in previous times, that you should not kill or murder. Whoever does kill or murder is liable for the separation.

Matthew 5:21 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: [kjv]

5:21: You have heard (with understanding) that it was said in previous times, that you should not kill or murder. Whoever does kill or murder is liable for the separation.

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, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. [kjv]

Some pastors use this verse to preach about secular ideas of "anger management" from the Greek philosophy (e.g., Epicurus) or more modern anti-God based Freud psychology.

This verse is a favorites of pastors who promote non-Biblical Epicurean Greek philosophy (having friends, controlling anger, etc., all spoken against by Paul) and/or the anti-Biblical and anti-God views of Sigmund Freud. These views promoted by some pastors depend greatly on the English translation meaning what it appears to say.

What is the "in danger"? (mistranslated)
One can be "angry" without any associated action. Is that a problem?
Who is "the" "brother"? The "with" is that of "(with respect to) the"
What does it mean to say "raca" or "fool"? To whom is it said? What is the consequence?

More: Stoics and Epicureans

More: Sigmund Freud

More: Matthew 5:22 The danger of brotherly anger

*	Churches	Parables	Beatitudes	Church ages
1	Ephesus	Sower	Poor in Spirit	Jesus and the Good News
2	Smyrna	Weeds	They that mourn	Roman persecutions
3	Pergamus	Mustard	Meek inherit	Roman acceptance
4	Thyatira	Leaven	Hunger and thirst	Catholic Church
5	Sardis	Treasure	Merciful and alms	Protestant Reformation
6	Philadelphia	Pearl	Pure in heart	Great Awakenings
7	Laodicea	Harvest	Peacemakers	Apostate church age

$Time periods$ If you do not like the historical interpretation, as prophecy, just use the model to remember the order of the Churches, Parables and Beatitudes.

More: Church history and linear combinations