By them of old time. — Omitted in the best MSS. If retained, translate as before, to them of old time. It was probably inserted for the sake of conformity with Matthew 5:21. Here the words are simply those of the divine commandment, but it is given as it was taught in the Rabbinic schools, simply in the narrowness of the letter, without any perception that here too the commandment was “exceeding broad.” It is with that teaching, as before, that our Lord contrasts His own.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 5:27
Matthew 5:27
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: