21 You’ve heard that the law said5:21. Literally, "You’ve heard that it was said." This phrase is used often in this passage by Jesus to refer to the laws found in the Old Testament. to the people of long ago: ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who commits murder will be condemned as guilty.’5:21. Or "liable to judgment." Exodus 20:13 or Deuteronomy 5:17. 22 But I tell you, anyone who is angry with his brother will be condemned as guilty. Whoever calls his brother an idiot has to answer to the council,5:22. Probably the Sanhedrin council. but whoever verbally abuses others is liable to the fire of Gehenna.5:22. "Gehenna" is sometimes translated "hell" or "hellfire." However, "hell" is a concept that is derived from Nordic and Anglo-Saxon mythology and does not parallel the idea here. Gehenna was the place outside of Jerusalem where fires were lit to dispose of trash by burning. Also in verses 29 and 30.
27 You’ve heard that the law said, ‘Don’t commit adultery.’5:27. Quoting Exodus 20:14 or Deuteronomy 5:18. 28 But I tell you that everyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his mind.