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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.

Matthew 5:19 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse you are referring to emphasizes the importance of both obeying and teaching God's commandments. The verse states that breaking even the smallest commandment and teaching others to do the same will result in being called the least in the kingdom of heaven. This highlights the seriousness of disobeying God's commands and misleading others in their faith. On the other hand, those who both follow and teach God's commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This serves as a reminder to believers to not only live out their faith in their own actions but also to share it with others. By doing so, they can strive to be considered great in the eyes of God. This verse reinforces the importance of both personal obedience and the responsibility to guide others in the ways of God.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments and teaching others to do the same. The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that even the smallest of commandments are significant in the eyes of God. By breaking these commandments and teaching others to do so, individuals risk being considered the least in the kingdom of heaven. In contrast, those who both follow and teach these commandments are deemed great in the kingdom of heaven. This passage highlights the idea that faithfulness to God's commandments is a key aspect of living a righteous life and receiving blessings in the spiritual realm. It serves as a reminder to believers that their actions and teachings should reflect the principles outlined in the scriptures, as this is what leads to greatness in the eyes of God.

Matthew 5:19 in other translations

American Standard Version

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

World English Bible

Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Douay-Rheims

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.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Whosoeuer therefore shall breake one of these least commandements, and teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdome of heauen: but whosoeuer shall obserue and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdome of heauen.