The verse highlights that Jesus is not just concerned with grand pronouncements, but with the careful obedience to every command, even the ones we might consider "least." It's the active practice and teaching of all God's word, not just the parts we find easy, that truly defines greatness in God's kingdom.
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just declared that he has come to fulfill, not abolish, the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that not even the smallest part of the Law will pass away until all is accomplished. He then transitions to the implications of this fulfillment for his disciples, particularly those who will teach others. This verse stresses the importance of upholding and living out all of God's commands, even the ones that might seem minor, and instructing others to do the same, under penalty of being considered "least" in the coming kingdom.
Jesus declares that even the smallest commands hold immense weight. What does this mean for us today when many things feel 'optional'?
Jesus is making a powerful statement here about the integrity of God's Word. He pushes back against any idea that some commands are minor or can be dismissed.
Jesus links obeying God's commands with teaching others. Why is this two-part commitment so crucial for greatness in His kingdom?
This verse lays out a profound principle for life and leadership within God's kingdom: the inseparable connection between personal practice and public instruction.
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Understand the original words
luō · Greek Verb
To loosen, release, or break; in this context, it refers to treating a commandment as optional, non-binding, or of little importance.
entolē · Greek Noun
Specific charges or instructions given by God that require obedience; they reflect His moral and ethical will for His people.
didaskō · Greek Verb
To provide instruction, explain doctrine, or impart knowledge; a central activity in the life of the church used for making disciples.
basileia tōn ouranōn · Greek Noun Phrase
The reign and rule of God, breaking into history through Jesus and to be fully realized in the future; Matthew's specific term for the Kingdom of God.
Jesus's teaching here directly confronts the way some religious leaders of his day were prioritizing their own interpretations and traditions, even distinguishing between 'greater' and 'lesser' commandments. He emphasizes that in God's kingdom, every commandment holds weight, and faithfulness in both living out and teaching God's word is what truly matters.
c. 20-30 AD— this verse
Jesus's Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and gathering disciples, and delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which includes this teaching on the commandments.
c. 25-30 AD
Pharisaic Influence
The Pharisees hold significant religious and social influence, often emphasizing meticulous observance of the Law while sometimes prioritizing their traditions over its core principles. Jesus directly addresses this tendency.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus's Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, establishing the foundation of the new covenant and the Church. His teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount, are solidified through these events.
c. 40s-60s AD
Early Church Growth and Teaching
The apostles and early followers of Jesus spread the Gospel, facing questions about the relationship between the Law and Jesus's teachings. This period sees the formation of early Christian communities.
c. 60-65 AD
Writing of the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is written, likely to a Jewish Christian audience, preserving Jesus's teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount, within a narrative that demonstrates Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
This passage directly echoes the principle that violating even one command makes one guilty of breaking the whole law, reinforcing Jesus' point about the integrity of God's commands.
Matthew 23:23Jesus here condemns the Pharisees for tithing mint, dill, and cumin, while neglecting 'the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness,' directly contrasting with the integrity and comprehensive obedience Jesus calls for in Matthew 5:19.
Luke 10:16Jesus states that rejecting His message is equivalent to rejecting God who sent Him, highlighting the serious weight and consequence attached to how His teachings (and by extension, God's commands) are received and taught.
1 Corinthians 3:15This verse speaks of a person suffering loss regarding their 'work' if it is burned up, which resonates with the idea in Matthew 5:19 that how one handles God's commands, both in practice and teaching, has eternal implications for their standing.
bensonMatthew 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 . Whosoever therefore shall break — Shall himself transgress in his practice, or pervert and weaken by his doctrine, one of these least commandments, and teach men so — Shall direct or encourage men to do the same, or shall teach…
wesleyMatthew 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."
5:19 One of the least - So accounted by men; and shall teach - Either by word or example; shall be the least - That is, shall have no part therein.
The verse highlights that Jesus is not just concerned with grand pronouncements, but with the careful obedience to every command, even the ones we might consider "least." It's the active practice and teaching of all God's word, not just the parts we find easy, that truly defines greatness in God's kingdom.
Jesus has just declared that he has come to fulfill, not abolish, the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that not even the smallest part of the Law will pass away until all is accomplished. He then transitions to the implications of this fulfillment for his disciples, particularly those who will teach others. This verse stresses the importance of upholding and living out all of God's commands, even the ones that might seem minor, and instructing others to do the same, under penalty of being considered "least" in the coming kingdom.
Jesus has just declared that he has come to fulfill, not abolish, the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that not even the smallest part of the Law will pass away until all is accomplished. He then transitions to the implications of this fulfillment for his disciples, particularly those who will teach others. This verse stresses the importance of upholding and living out all of God's commands, even the ones that might seem minor, and instructing others to do the same, under penalty of being considered "least" in the coming kingdom.
"Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." — The verse highlights that Jesus is not just concerned with grand pronouncements, but with the careful obedience to every command, even the ones we might consider "least." It's the active practice a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
