Matthew 5:17

Modern

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.

Traditional

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

Literal

Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

Latin

Nolite putare quoniam veni solvere legem aut prophetas: non veni solvere, sed adimplere.

Greek

English

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.

To abolish would mean to remove and replace the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets (that is, the whole Old Testament) as God’s revelation of his will.

until everything is accomplished: This could mean to obey the Old Testament perfectly, complete their teachings, or fulfill their prophecies (see Matthew 1:22; 2:15, 17, 23). Jesus himself embodies everything the Prophets and the Law taught and expected. Now that Christ has arrived, who fulfills these writings, we must understand the Old Testament in relation to him (Luke 24:26, 44).

Theme notes and profiles

Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.
Luke 16:17
But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
Galatians 4:4–5
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
Romans 3:31
Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.
Romans 8:4
…so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Isaiah 42:21
The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.
Galatians 3:17–24
What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise.
Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
Psalm 40:6–8
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.
Hebrews 10:3–12
Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins,
Colossians 2:16–17
Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.
Acts 6:13
…where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.