(New International Version)
Chapter 5
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His
disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all
kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is
your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were
before you.
Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can
it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown
out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on
its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let
your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify
your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
“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. For truly I tell you, until heaven and
earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by
any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore
anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others
accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices
and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I
tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the
teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Murder
“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.’ But I tell you that anyone
who is angry with a brother or sister
will be subject to judgment. 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.
“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.
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it
while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to
the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown
into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last
penny.
Adultery
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed
adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge
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 hell. And 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 hell.
Divorce
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate
of divorce.’
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality,
makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman
commits adultery.
Oaths
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break
your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do
not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the
earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great
King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or
black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes
from the evil one.
Eye for Eye
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right
cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and
take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one
mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away
from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor
and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his
sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the
unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not
even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what
are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect,
therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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