Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not murder’” (Matthew 5:21) to show that God’s standard goes beyond outward actions. He taught that anger, insults, and hatred also break God’s law, because sin begins in the heart before it leads to destructive actions.
When Jesus referenced the command, “You shall not murder,” He wasn’t dismissing the law but deepening its meaning. The Old Testament prohibited the physical act of murder, but Jesus explained that the root of murder—anger, hatred, and contempt—was equally serious in God’s eyes. By doing this, He revealed that true righteousness is about the condition of your heart, not just external obedience.
This teaching is still highly relevant today. Jesus calls you to guard your heart, forgive quickly, and seek reconciliation instead of letting anger fester. His words remind us that sin isn’t only about what we do but also about what we allow to grow inside us. Keep reading to dive deeper into what the Bible actually says about this command and how it shapes your daily walk with God.
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When Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder’” (Matthew 5:21), He wasn’t simply repeating an old command. He was showing that God’s standard goes deeper than avoiding physical violence. He was exposing the heart behind sin and calling us to true righteousness.
In this article, let’s break down what Jesus meant, why He raised the standard, and what it means for you today.
1. The Context of Jesus’ Words
The verse appears in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Here, Jesus repeatedly said:
- “You have heard that it was said…” (referring to the law and traditions)
- “But I tell you…” (bringing deeper meaning)
He wasn’t abolishing the Old Testament law. In fact, just before this, He said:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
So when Jesus mentioned “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17), He affirmed the command but expanded it. The law condemned the act of murder. Jesus pointed to the root cause: anger, hate, and contempt in the heart.
2. Murder Was Always a Serious Sin
From the beginning, murder was seen as a direct assault on God’s creation. After Cain killed Abel, God said:
“Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” (Genesis 4:10)
Why so serious? Because human life is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). To take someone’s life unjustly is to attack God’s image-bearer.
The Old Testament law carried heavy consequences for murder:
- “Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death.” (Exodus 21:12)
The Pharisees and teachers of the law taught this command, but they limited its scope to the physical act of killing. As long as you didn’t literally commit murder, you thought you were safe.
3. Jesus Exposed the Root: Anger
Here’s the game-changer. Jesus continued:
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:22)
He equated harboring anger and hatred with breaking the commandment against murder. Why? Because unchecked anger is the seed of violence.
Think of it this way:
- Murder is the fruit
- Anger is the root
If the root is evil, the fruit eventually follows. Jesus shifted the focus from outward compliance to inner transformation.
4. Why Words Matter: Insults as Violence
Jesus went further:
“Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:22)
“Raca” was a term of contempt, like saying “worthless” or “empty-headed.” Words may not draw blood, but they can destroy reputations, relationships, and spirits.
Proverbs reminds us:
- “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21)
By connecting insults with murder, Jesus taught that violence doesn’t always show up as physical acts. It can begin with words and attitudes.
5. Reconciliation Over Religion
Jesus didn’t stop at diagnosing the problem—He gave a solution.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24)
This was radical. In Jewish culture, offering a gift at the altar was a sacred act of worship. But Jesus said reconciliation with people must come before worship to God.
Key takeaway: God values relationships more than rituals. If you’re at odds with someone, your worship is incomplete until you pursue peace.
6. The Bigger Picture: The Heart of the Law
Jesus’ words fit into His larger message:
- Righteousness isn’t about appearances.
- God cares about your heart, motives, and relationships.
- The law points to external actions, but Christ fulfills it by transforming the inner person.
The Pharisees said: “Don’t murder.”
Jesus said: “Don’t even hate.”
The Pharisees said: “Don’t commit adultery.”
Jesus said: “Don’t even lust.”
The Pharisees said: “Love your neighbor.”
Jesus said: “Love your enemy.”
He wasn’t lowering the bar—He was raising it.
7. What This Means for You Today
It’s easy to think, “I’ve never murdered anyone, so I’m fine.” But Jesus’ teaching forces us to ask harder questions:
- Do you hold grudges?
- Do you let anger simmer without resolving it?
- Do you speak harsh words that tear others down?
If so, you’re breaking the spirit of this commandment. God calls you to more than avoiding crime—He calls you to cultivate love, patience, and forgiveness.
8. How to Live Out This Teaching
So, how do you live what Jesus taught? Here are practical steps:
- Check your heart daily
– Ask God to reveal bitterness, jealousy, or anger before it grows. - Control your words
– James 1:19 says: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” - Seek reconciliation quickly
– Don’t wait until anger hardens. Take the first step, even if you weren’t the one in the wrong. - Pray for those who hurt you
– Prayer changes your heart. You can’t hate someone you’re consistently praying for. - Remember the cross
– Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the cross (Luke 23:34). If He could forgive that, what excuse do we have?
9. The Gospel Connection
Ultimately, Jesus’ words show us why we need Him. Left to ourselves, we all fail at keeping even the “basic” commands. Who hasn’t felt anger, bitterness, or hatred?
The good news is:
- Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).
- Through His death and resurrection, we receive forgiveness for anger, hate, and even literal murder (see Paul, who persecuted Christians before meeting Christ).
- Through the Holy Spirit, we gain new hearts that love instead of hate.
As Paul wrote:
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
10. Final Takeaway
When Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said… You shall not murder” He wasn’t softening the law. He was showing its true depth. Murder begins long before blood is shed—it starts in the heart.
For you, this means God isn’t just asking you to avoid violence. He’s calling you to live with love, humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation. That’s the kind of righteousness that surpasses the Pharisees and reflects Christ to the world.
FAQs on Why did Jesus say You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder’? [What the Bible Actually Says]
1. Why did Jesus say “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder’”?
Jesus said this in Matthew 5:21–22 to show that righteousness is not just about outward actions but also inward attitudes. He taught that anger and hatred can be as destructive as murder because they corrupt the heart.
2. What did Jesus mean by connecting anger with murder?
Jesus explained that harboring anger or insulting others is spiritually dangerous. Just as murder destroys life physically, unchecked anger destroys relationships and hearts, making both equally serious in God’s eyes.
3. How is Jesus’ teaching on murder different from the Old Testament law?
The Old Testament law forbade the physical act of murder (Exodus 20:13). Jesus expanded this to include thoughts, words, and emotions, teaching that true obedience begins in the heart.
4. Why is controlling anger important according to Jesus?
Jesus warned that unresolved anger leads to judgment (Matthew 5:22). By teaching reconciliation and forgiveness, He showed that controlling anger preserves peace with God and with others.
5. Did Jesus replace the Old Testament law with His teaching on murder?
No. Jesus didn’t abolish the law (Matthew 5:17). Instead, He fulfilled it by revealing its deeper spiritual meaning—that God desires purity of heart, not just external obedience.
6. How does Jesus’ teaching on murder apply to Christians today?
It calls you to guard your heart against hatred, bitterness, and anger. As a believer, you’re called to live in love, seek reconciliation, and reflect God’s righteousness in both words and actions.
7. Why does Jesus emphasize reconciliation before worship?
In Matthew 5:23–24, Jesus taught that broken relationships hinder worship. God values a pure heart, so reconciling with others is a necessary step before offering yourself to Him.
8. What’s the connection between murder, anger, and judgment in Jesus’ words?
Jesus linked murder with anger to show that both lead to God’s judgment. Murder destroys life outwardly, while anger and hatred destroy inwardly, but both separate you from God’s holiness.
9. How can Christians practice Jesus’ teaching on murder in daily life?
You can practice it by:
- Forgiving instead of holding grudges
- Speaking words that build up instead of tearing down
- Seeking peace and reconciliation in conflicts
- Asking God to cleanse your heart of bitterness
10. What’s the main lesson from Jesus saying, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not murder’”?
The main lesson is that sin begins in the heart. God’s standard of righteousness goes beyond outward obedience—it calls you to love, forgive, and live with a pure heart toward Him and others.
