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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
19
He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This passage relates to the earlier testimony, which states, \\"Not one jot or one tittle shall pass from the law until all is fulfilled.\\" Thus, Jesus admonishes the Pharisees for establishing their own traditions while disregarding the commandments of God. As a result, their teaching holds little value because they violate even the least of the commandments. We can also interpret this differently: the education of a teacher, tarnished by even a minor sin, diminishes his authority, rendering him ineffective in conveying the truth, which he compromises by his smallest failings. True blessedness is found in the faithful practice of what one is meant to communicate through words."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Once He had dispelled all doubt regarding His authority and silenced those intending to oppose Him, the Lord began to instill fear and issue firm admonitions concerning the law He was about to establish. It is clear from His subsequent statements that His references are not to the ancient ordinances, but rather to the teachings He intends to impart. He declares, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” If His warnings were directed at the violators of the previous laws, why would He phrase it as “Except it be exceeded”? Those adhering to the same practices as the Pharisees could not claim superiority in righteousness. What advantage did He speak of? It pertains to refraining from anger and avoiding lustful glances at one’s spouse. Why does He label these new commandments as minor, despite their profound significance? It is because He Himself desires to enact this law. In His humility, He refers to Himself with modesty, and likewise speaks of His commandments, modelling for us the virtue of humility. Furthermore, to counter any accusations of introducing radical change, He employs a careful manner of expression. When you hear the phrase “the least in the kingdom of heaven,” envision Gehenna or suffering. He describes the kingdom not only as the future bliss but also as the time of resurrection and the anticipated second coming. Is it conceivable that a person who calls his brother a fool and transgresses one command would face the threat of Gehenna, while one who breaks the entirety of the law yet leads others astray would find solace in the kingdom? This is not the case; rather, it signifies that the lawbreaker will rank as the least, the rejected, and those in the last position will indeed be cast into Gehenna. Being omniscient, Christ foresaw the indifference of many, anticipating that some would dismiss His statements as hyperbolic and misunderstand the law in this way: “Will a person truly face punishment for calling his brother foolish? Is one committing adultery merely by gazing at his spouse?” To prevent such disregard for the law, He issues serious warnings to those who violate it and those who lead others astray. Aware of these threats, we must strive to uphold the law ourselves and bolster the commitment of those who seek to honor it. “And whosoever shall do and teach them shall be called great.” Our purpose extends beyond personal virtue; the rewards differ between those who are virtuous alone and those who guide others to righteousness. Just as teaching without corresponding action stands to condemn the instructor (as the apostle Paul asserts, “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” Rom. 2:21), so too will good works, if not paired with the effort to inspire others, receive lesser recompense. It is essential to achieve excellence in both areas; after correcting ourselves, we must also aim to benefit others. This is why Christ emphasizes actions before teachings, demonstrating that true instruction can only flourish through living out these principles; otherwise, one may face the admonition, “Physician, heal thyself” (Luke 4:23). In truth, if anyone who fails to teach himself endeavors to correct others, he becomes a target of scorn; indeed, he may find himself unable to teach effectively, as his conduct stands in opposition to his message. Conversely, if one excels in both righteousness and teaching, he will be honored in the kingdom of heaven."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Following His magnificent return, Christ moved to nullify the function of the law, not with the intent to annihilate it, but to fulfill it in its ultimate purpose. He thus warned the apostles that they would be unable to enter the kingdom of heaven unless their righteousness exceeded that of the Pharisees. Therefore, having disclosed all that the law entails, Christ set it aside—not through destruction, but by completely fulfilling it."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The righteousness upheld by the scribes and Pharisees is based on the teachings of Moses, yet the teachings of Christ transcend these principles. This is why He declares, ‘Whoever does not fulfil more than the precepts of the law and these My commandments, which they considered the least of these, shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.’ The commandments mentioned provide immunity from the punishment that is due to those who violate the law but do not grant access to the kingdom; conversely, Christ's commandments both exempt from condemnation and grant entry into the kingdom. If disregarding these minor precepts is tantamount to failing to observe them, it raises the question of why He stated that one who breaks even the smallest commandments will be deemed the least in the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:19), indicating that, despite being considered the least, such a person will still belong to the kingdom. Here, He refers to those who fail to observe this teaching—if a Christian's righteousness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, they cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. For those who do not gain entry into the Kingdom will find themselves excluded from it. Remarkably, it appears that being the least in the Kingdom equates to not entering the Kingdom at all. To have a role in the kingdom does not indicate ruling alongside Christ, but rather being counted among His people. It is as though He is saying, ‘Whoever transgresses the least commandment of the law and instructs others to do so will belong to the community of Christians but will be the least within them.’ Those who enter the kingdom of heaven share in the joy of Christ’s reign, as it is stated to the faithful servant, Enter into the joy of thy master (Matt. 25:21), meaning you will rejoice with your Lord. Thus, those who fail to enter the kingdom of heaven will miss out on the glory shared with Christ, yet they will still be present in the heavenly kingdom, standing among those whom Christ, the heavenly King, governs."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"To those who have undergone baptism into the fullness of righteousness, and who have been enveloped by what is divine, and rejuvenated by the grace that overflows, it is stated, ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away rather than one trait of the law be lost’ (Luke 16:17), and, ‘Anyone who breaks one of the commandments...’ referring to the New Covenant. It is far more advantageous to receive wise instruction than to instruct others while failing to act as one ought. One who cultivates self-discipline fosters growth in others; one who learns for himself becomes a teacher to his neighbor."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Anyone who disregards one of the commandments of the law is regarded by God as neither a true worshiper nor a supporter of His law. Consequently, they now bear the consequences imposed by the law of the gospel, which were not outlined in the original law. Christ stated that His purpose was not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17). He remedied what was deficient in the earlier commandments. For instance, the law instructs one to show deference to the elderly (Lev. 19:32) and to assist an enemy’s donkey if it is struggling under its load (Ex. 23:5). However, the law did not specify any punishment for those who failed to adhere to these instructions. To address this, Christ declares that such individuals will be humbled in the kingdom of God."},{"author-name":"Symeon the New Theologian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897eec143c131d21207b3_Symeon%20the%20New%20Theologian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":10,"exegesis-text":"Do you recognize that the individual who diligently cultivates a pure heart through obedience to the commandments possesses the fullness of the Divine within, which is truly a precious treasure? Conversely, this treasure is absent in those who violate or ignore even the slightest of commandments. Consider the words of Christ: ‘If anyone destroys one of these least commandments and teaches others to do likewise, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 5:19). The Lord refers to commandments as least not because they are inherently insignificant, but rather because we tend to regard them as such. \\n\\nFor instance, to make a false oath, to harbor ill will towards a brother, to engage in lascivious thoughts, or to disdain and judge others—these actions are often dismissed as inconsequential, leading us to neglect them and hold them lightly in our hearts. We forget the stern judgment the Lord has declared regarding such deeds, for He emphasizes that ‘every idle word that men speak, they will give an account of in the day of judgment’ (Matthew 12:36). Furthermore, He instructs us: ‘You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods’ (Deuteronomy 5:21). He also warns: ‘Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart’ (Matthew 5:28); and similarly, ‘Whoever says to his brother, “You fool!” shall be in danger of hell fire’ (Matthew 5:22). The Apostle, intending to reveal the devil’s influence over those who engage in such behavior, states: ‘The sting of death is sin’ (1 Corinthians 15:56). \\n\\nIf sin is nothing other than the violation of God’s commandments, and the commandments include refraining from coveting, lying, idleness, or judging one’s brother, it becomes clear that anyone who indulges in such actions is afflicted by sin, which serves as the sting of death. Through this sting of sin, the devil swiftly enters and makes his abode within, much like a worm."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"By minor commandments, He refers to those directives He intended to impart, rather than the commands of the Law. They are termed minor in light of His humility, serving as a lesson for you to cultivate modesty in teaching. \\"He shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven,\\" implying that, in the resurrection, he shall be last and cast into Gehenna. For he will not enter the kingdom of heaven; rather, this kingdom represents the resurrection. It is commendable to create first and then to teach, for how can I lead another along a path that I have not traversed myself? Conversely, if I simply act without teaching, my reward will not be as great, and I may face consequences for failing to instruct due to envy or laziness."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Both minor and significant matters are important. Having cleared Himself of erroneous accusations, He instills fear and makes profound declarations about the future of His commandments. Anyone who violates one of these precepts, which I am set to affirm, and not only commits the violation themselves but also leads others to do likewise—He described these precepts as the least, both modestly and to prevent those who follow them from feeling superior. At the same time, He instructs us to maintain humility regarding our own actions, even if they appear remarkable. Such a person will be regarded as the least, that is, the lowest of all, insignificant, and cast aside; this is akin to facing judgment. The kingdom of heaven in this context refers to His second coming, when He will reveal Himself as the Sovereign of all. Observe how He emphasizes the need to act first before teaching; doing alone is insufficient without instruction. Just as it is inappropriate to teach without action, it is also inadequate to act without sharing that knowledge. True virtue encompasses not only benefiting oneself but also serving others. One cannot effectively teach what one has not practiced; it is challenging to encourage others to undertake what one has not accomplished, for one might be reminded of the saying: physician, heal yourself (Luke 4:23)."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"What constitutes the lesser commandments? Some argue that as sins vary from minor to grave, so too do the commandments, differing in their authority and significance. In contexts where there are distinctions of severity, the possibility of lesser commands arises. It is essential to understand that the Lord Jesus does not refer to the Mosaic ordinances here but to His own teachings, through which He fulfilled the law given to Moses. Had He intended to reference the Mosaic law, He would have stated: \\"one of those commandments,\\" rather than \\"one of these commandments.\\" By using the phrase ‘one of these commandments’, He indicated that He was addressing His own commandments, as exemplified in His teaching: ‘But I say unto you, that whosoever shall anger his brother in vain shall be guilty of judgement (Matthew 5:22),’ and similar admonitions. He refers to these as the least, either to express humility or to assess the actions of individuals who are unworthy of the grace of the Most Holy Spirit, at that time seen as insignificant and rightly regarded with disdain. Consequently, ‘the least’ may pertain to those who disregard the commandments. In this context, the lesser commandments relate to minor acts, while a lesser transgressor refers to one who is rejected and excluded from the eternal kingdom. A parallel phrase illustrates this: “let the dead bury their dead” (Matthew 8:22), wherein ‘the dead’ can be understood in dual aspects. The subsequent words reinforce this interpretation. The God-Man declares that whoever insults his brother, referring to him with contempt, will face eternal punishment; and whoever says, ‘You worthless one,’ will be culpable of the fires of Gehenna (Matthew 5:22). If mere contempt incurs such condemnation, it stands to reason that one who violates even one of these commandments will similarly be cast out from the heavenly kingdom. Moreover, consider the individual recognized as great in the kingdom of heaven. Such a person is one who both creates and instructs. Initially, he must act according to God’s commandments before he can encourage others to do the same, illustrating that keeping God’s commandments precedes teaching them. Therefore, an individual blessed with the ability to teach who fails to adhere to the commandments conceals his gift; conversely, if he teaches others while neglecting the commandments, he transforms into a hypocrite akin to the Pharisees. However, anyone who both creates and teaches God’s commandments will be esteemed in the heavenly realm, shining brightly among others through the radiance of his virtues, and will receive glory from the Triune God."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Transgression. One violates a commandment or distorts its meaning, diminishing its significance and deeming violations as insignificant acts, thus rendering the offender exempt from punishment or subjecting them to minor consequences (Matt. 23:23). Concerning these commandments considered lesser. The Pharisees categorized the commandments of the Law into two tiers: major and minor, claiming that transgressions of the latter were not sinful. They placed among them the commands central to the Law’s essence—love, philanthropy, and justice (Matthew 23:23). It is to this aspect that the Lord refers, labeling them as minor according to the misguided beliefs of the Pharisees. Saints Chrysostom and Theophylact, however, interpret this to mean that the Lord does not regard the commandments of the Old Testament as minor but rather those He Himself intended to enact, designating them as such out of His humility. Just as He humbled Himself and often describes His nature modestly, He refers to His Law in similar terms. And He will instruct in this manner. He will not only emulate this thought and action but will also encourage others to adopt the same mindset and lead them astray. He shall be known as the least. This implies he will be considered insignificant (cf. Matthew 5:9). The phrase does not suggest that such a transgressor and corruptor will find a place in the Kingdom of Heaven, even among the lower ranks of glory. The Greek expression indicates that such an individual will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven or will be excluded from it eternally: \\"When you hear: the least in the Kingdom of Heaven, think only of Gehenna or punishment... For how could one who calls his brother a fool and violates this edict escape Gehenna (Matthew 5:22), while one who infringes on the entirety of the Law and leads others down this path find a seat in the Kingdom? He shall be the least, rejected and last, and undoubtedly condemned to Gehenna\\" (Chrysostom; cf. Theophylact). In the kingdom of heaven. Refer to Matthew 3:2. He shall create and instruct: \\"The Lord stated from the beginning—He will create and then He will instruct, for how can I guide another along a route I have not traversed myself? Conversely, if I create yet do not teach, I will fail to receive the reward and may deserve punishment for my failure to instruct due to envy or sloth\\" (Theophylact). Great will be called (will be). He will attain the utmost reward in the Kingdom of Heaven."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Thus, anyone who disregards even the least of these commandments through carelessness, viewing them as insignificant, and conveys this belief to others, will hold a lesser place in the Kingdom of Heaven. According to St. Chrysostom’s explanation, at the time of Christ's Second Coming—when the Kingdom of Heaven is revealed to the righteous—such a violator will be regarded as the least, the rejected, and ultimately cast into Gehenna. The saint posits that if one who labels his brother as foolish faces such consequences, it stands to reason that one who disobeys the entirety of the Law and leads others to do the same cannot expect to dwell in the Kingdom of Heaven. Hence, being least in that Kingdom suggests a total deprivation of it. \\n\\nIf a father engages in wrongful acts before his children, or a master offers a poor example to his household, or a superior irresponsibly breaks the Law before those under his authority, they not only undermine God’s commandments but also instill the same disregard in others. Similarly, if wayward Christians dismiss Church regulations entirely and fail to observe them themselves—while convincing others that such statutes are mere human traditions and that practices like fasting are trivial—these individuals also face the warning of Christ: they will be labeled as least, meaning unfit for the Kingdom of Heaven.\\n\\nWho among us can honestly claim to observe all of God’s commandments without fail? Remember, dear Christian, that every sin, particularly the sin of temptation, can lead a person to become a child of Gehenna. However, there is no need for despair; one who has fallen into Gehenna due to sin—whether small or great—can repent today and produce fruits worthy of repentance. Yet, it is those who prioritize fulfilling the commandments of God and then guide others to do the same who will be celebrated as great in the Kingdom of Heaven, reaping the highest rewards there.\\n\\nAs Blessed Theophylact posits, how can I guide another on a path I have not yet walked? It is akin to the challenge of the physician who has yet to heal himself (Luke 4:23). Conversely, if I produce good works but neglect to teach, even though I am called to instruct others, I may forego reward and even incur punishment for failing to teach due to apathy or jealousy."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord Jesus Christ, our divine teacher and exemplar of humility, referred to His sacred and all-encompassing commandments as minor (Matt. 5:19), highlighting their simplicity and accessibility to everyone, including those who are least educated. However, He also cautioned that anyone who intentionally and continually breaks even one of these commandments will be regarded as least in the Kingdom of Heaven, or as explained by the holy Fathers, will forfeit their place in the Kingdom and be condemned to the fiery Gehenna."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Having affirmed the unchanging nature of God's law, Jesus Christ, who is both God and the eternal lawgiver, proclaims the fixed consequences for those who transgress His commandments, as well as the guaranteed reward for those who faithfully observe them. He states, \\"Whoever breaks one of these least commandments, and teaches others to do likewise, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven\\" (Matthew 5:19). Though such a person may be esteemed by men, when the kingdom of heaven is revealed, he will be held in contempt and deemed insignificant, ultimately barred from entry into God's kingdom, as shown in the subsequent words of our Savior. Conversely, those who adhere to the commandments and exemplify them through their lives while proclaiming God's word—infused with the Spirit and power—will attain greatness in the eyes of truth on the day of the kingdom's revelation. \\n\\nIt is imperative to note, dear listeners, that Christ, from the outset of His ministry, both practiced and taught as evidenced in Acts 1:1, as Luke the Evangelist records. He emphasizes to His disciples and all subsequent teachers to first live out the commandments of the Gospel before instructing others to do the same. Just as no one can effectively teach earthly skills without first mastering them through personal experience, so it is even more crucial in the divine vocation of leading souls to a life of holiness that one must engage with the commandments of Christ before guiding others. This provides a reminder of how attentively we should heed the Gospel's commandments and the care we must take to uphold each one, as taught by Jesus Christ."}]}
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