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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Matthew 5:16–19

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
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.
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.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

20 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 16

  1. 1 Peter 2:12Rank 1 from verse 16
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    12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  2. Titus 2:7Rank 2 from verse 16
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    7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

  3. John 15:8Rank 3 from verse 16
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    8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  4. 1 John 1:5–7Rank 4 from verse 16
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    5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

    6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

    7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  5. Philippians 2:15–16Rank 5 from verse 16
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    15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

    16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

From verse 17

  1. Romans 10:4Rank 1 from verse 17
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    4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

  2. Luke 16:17Rank 2 from verse 17
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    17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

  3. Galatians 4:4–5Rank 3 from verse 17
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    4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

    5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

  4. Romans 8:4Rank 4 from verse 17
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    4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  5. Romans 3:31Rank 5 from verse 17
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    31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

From verse 18

  1. Luke 16:17Rank 1 from verse 18
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    17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

  2. Isaiah 40:8Rank 2 from verse 18
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    8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

  3. 1 Peter 1:25Rank 3 from verse 18
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    25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

  4. Psalms 119:89–90Rank 4 from verse 18
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    89For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

    90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

  5. Matthew 24:34–35Rank 5 from verse 18
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    34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

    35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

From verse 19

  1. Deuteronomy 12:32Rank 1 from verse 19
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    32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

  2. James 2:10–11Rank 2 from verse 19
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    10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

    11For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

  3. Matthew 28:20Rank 3 from verse 19
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    20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

  4. Romans 13:8–10Rank 4 from verse 19
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    8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

    9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

    10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

  5. Matthew 11:11Rank 5 from verse 19
    Open

    11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:16

COMBINED MEANING

let

↗

Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

light

↗

Sense 1: Brightness or illumination. Sense 2: A source or opening that gives light. Sense 3: Figuratively, truth, knowledge, revelation, life, or favour contrasted with darkness. Sense 4: To illuminate or kindle. Sense 5: To alight or come upon. Sense 6: Slight, easy, swift, or not heavy.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shine

↗

To emit rays of light; to give light; to beam with steady radiance; to exhibit brightness or splendor. To give light, real or figurative.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

before

↗

Earlier than in time; in front of; in the presence of; or prior in order or rank.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

see

↗

Sense 1: To perceive or behold with the eyes or in a vision. Sense 2: To observe, examine, discover, ascertain, consider, understand, know, or recognize. Sense 3: To visit, meet, converse with, or be in the presence of. Sense 4: To experience, undergo, endure, or enjoy. Sense 5: To attend to, take care, ensure, or beware.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

works

↗

Plural of work: acts, deeds, labours, operations, products, or things made.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

glorify

↗

To honour, praise, magnify, exalt, make glorious, display glory in, or cause the excellence and worth of a person or name to be acknowledged.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

father

↗

Sense 1: A male parent or begetter. Sense 2: An ancestor, forefather, founder, source, originator, chief, elder, or one bearing paternal authority and care. Sense 3: God as Father, including the Father of Jesus Christ and of those described as his children.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:17

COMBINED MEANING

think

↗

1. To form or hold a thought. 2. To judge or suppose. 3. To intend. 4. To consider or remember. 5. To imagine or esteem.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

destroy

↗

Sense 1: To ruin, demolish, consume, or lay waste. Sense 2: To kill or cut off. Sense 3: To cause a thing's structure, use, activity, or present condition to cease.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

law

↗

Sense 1: An authoritative rule, command, ordinance, instruction, standard, or body of requirements. Sense 2: The writings containing such instruction. Sense 3: A governing principle, power, regular order, or civil rule. Sense 4: In family compounds, relationship by marriage.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

fulfil

↗

To fill up, complete, accomplish, perform, satisfy, carry out, bring to the appointed end, or cause a word, promise, prophecy, desire, duty, time, measure, or work to come fully to pass.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:18

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

say

↗

Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

till

↗

Sense 1: To cultivate, plough, dress, and work soil for crops. Sense 2: As a time or limit word, until, up to, or as far as the stated point, condition, or event.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

earth

↗

Sense 1: The world in distinction from heaven. Sense 2: Dry land, ground, soil, or dust. Sense 3: A land, region, or its inhabitants.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

pass

↗

To go by, through, over, or beyond; to happen, cease, or be transferred.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

law

↗

Sense 1: An authoritative rule, command, ordinance, instruction, standard, or body of requirements. Sense 2: The writings containing such instruction. Sense 3: A governing principle, power, regular order, or civil rule. Sense 4: In family compounds, relationship by marriage.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fulfilled

↗

Filled up, completed, accomplished, performed, satisfied, expired, or brought fully to the appointed result, measure, time, or realization.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 5:19

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

break

↗

1. To separate, fracture, burst, or open. 2. To interrupt or violate. 3. To subdue. 4. To burst forth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

commandments

↗

Commands, orders, or prescribed requirements issued by one who commands.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

teach

↗

To instruct, inform, train, show, counsel, or communicate knowledge or doctrine.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

called

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of call. Sense 1: To name. Sense 2: To summon or invite. Sense 3: To proclaim or address. Sense 4: To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

kingdom

↗

The rule, royal authority, government, realm, territory, subjects, or dominion of a king.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Suggested context · Matthew 5:13–20

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

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.

5:14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

5:15Neither 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.

5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Selected passage

5:17¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Selected passage

5:18For 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.

Selected passage

5:19Whosoever 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.

Selected passage

5:20For 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.

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