Matthaeus 5
1 Als er die Volksmenge sah, ging er auf die Bergeshöhe. Dort setzte er sich nieder, und seine Jünger traten zu ihm.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a hillside. He sat down [in order to teach] his disciples. They came near to him [to listen to him].
2 Da tat er seinen Mund auf und lehrte sie also:
Then he began to teach them by saying,
3 "Selig sind die Armen im Geist! Denn das Königreich der Himmel ist ihr Teil.
[God] is pleased with people who recognize that they have a spiritual [need]; he will allow them to be the people whose lives he rules over.
4 Selig sind die Trauernden! Denn sie sollen getröstet werden.
[God] is pleased with people who mourn [because they have sinned; ] they will be encouraged {he will encourage them.}
5 Selig sind die stillen Dulder! Denn ihr Erbteil soll die Erde sein.
[God] is pleased with people who are meek; they will inherit the earth [that God will recreate].
6 Selig sind, die hungern und dürsten nach der Gerechtigkeit! Denn sie sollen gesättigt werden.
[God] is pleased with people who sincerely [desire to live] righteously [just like they] desire to eat and drink [MET]; they will be enabled {he will enable them} to do all that he desires [MET].
7 Selig sind die Barmherzigen! Denn ihnen soll Erbarmen widerfahren.
[God] is pleased with people who act mercifully; he will act mercifully to them.
8 Selig sind, die reines Herzens sind! Denn sie sollen Gott schauen.
[God] is pleased with people who think only about that which pleases him; [some day] they will [be where] God is and will see him.
9 Selig sind die Friedenstifter! Denn sie sollen Söhne Gottes heißen.
[God] is pleased with people who help other people to live peacefully; they will be considered to be {he will consider that they are} his children [MET].
10 Selig sind, die um Gerechtigkeit willen Verfolgung gelitten haben! Denn das Königreich der Himmel ist ihr Teil.
[God is pleased with] people to whom evil things are done {to whom [other people] do evil things} because they [conducted themselves] righteously; he will allow them to be where he rules over people.
11 Selig seid ihr, wenn man euch schmähet und verfolgt und um meinetwillen lügnerisch allerlei Böses von euch redet.
[God is pleased with] you when [other] people insult you, when [other people] do evil things to you and when [other people] say falsely [that] you are evil because [you believe in] me.
12 Freuet euch darüber und jubelt, denn euer Lohn dafür ist groß im Himmel! Ebenso hat man ja die Propheten verfolgt, die vor euch lebten.
[When that happens], rejoice and be glad [DOU], because [God will give] you a great reward in heaven. [God will think highly of you], just like [he thought highly of] the prophets whom your [ancestors persecuted] long ago.
13 Ihr seid das Salz der Erde. Wird aber das Salz fade, womit soll man ihm die Salzkraft wiedergeben? Es hat dann weiter keinen Wert; man muß es wegwerfen und von den Leuten zertreten lassen.
“You are [able to influence] evil [people] [MTY] [and improve the way they live in order that they do not become more evil, just like] salt [is able to improve the flavor of food and to preserve it] [MET] [from spoiling]. Salt that no longer tastes salty cannot become salty again [RHQ]. As a result, that salt becomes useless. It is rejected by people, thrown on the ground, and walked on {People reject it, throw it on the ground and walk on it} [MET]. [Similarly, if the way you live no longer influences people to live in a godly manner, God will reject you].
14 Ihr seid das Licht der Welt. Eine Stadt, die auf einem Berge liegt, kann nicht verborgen bleiben.
You [enable] evil [people] [MTY] [to perceive God’s truth as] a light [enables people to perceive what is around them. Just like] everyone can see [LIT] [the lights of] a city on a hill [MET], [other people can see what you do].
15 Man zündet auch nicht eine Lampe an und setzt sie dann unter einen Scheffel; sondern man stellt sie auf den Leuchter; dann gibt sie allen Hausbewohnern Licht.
After people light a lamp, they never put it under a basket. Instead, [they put it] on a lampstand in their houses in order that it can shine on everyone there.
16 Ebenso soll euer Licht vor den Menschen leuchten, damit sie eure guten Werke sehen und euern Vater im Himmel preisen.
[Similarly], you need to do [what is right] [MET] in such a manner that other people can see the good deeds that you do, and as a result they will praise your Father [who is] in heaven.”
17 Denkt nicht, ich sei gekommen, um das Gesetz oder die Propheten aufzuheben! Ich bin nicht gekommen, um aufzuheben, sondern um zu erfüllen.
“I came to earth, not to annul the laws [that God gave Moses] or [what] the prophets [MTY] [wrote]. Instead, I [came] to cause to happen [what the authors of those books predicted would happen]. So do not think any longer that I have come [to earth] in order that I might annul [what they wrote].
18 Wahrlich, ich sage euch: Eher können Himmel und Erde vergehn, als daß auch nur der kleinste Buchstabe oder ein einziger Strich vom Gesetz abhanden kommt, ohne daß alles erfüllt wird.
Keep this in mind: [Every] point of those laws, [including those points that seem] least important, and even the smallest details of the laws [MTY] will surely be in effect [HYP, LIT] until the heavens and the earth disappear and until all [that God told their authors to write] happens.
19 Wer darum eins von diesen Geboten, und sei es das geringste, aufhebt und so die Leute lehrt, der wird der Geringste heißen im Königreich der Himmel; wer es aber erfüllt und lehrt, der wird ein Großer heißen im Königreich der Himmel.
Since [all God’s laws are important], if anyone disobeys any of those commandments, [even if it would be] one of the least [important ones], and if that person teaches people [to disobey any of those commandments], it will be said {[God] will say} that that person is the least [important] of those in the place where [EUP] God rules. But those who obey [those commandments] and teach [other people to obey them, it will be said] {[God] will say} that they are very important among those that God rules.
20 Denn ich versichere euch: Steht es bei euch mit der Gerechtigkeit nicht viel besser als bei den Schriftgelehrten und Pharisäern, so werdet ihr gewiß nicht eingehn ins Königreich der Himmel.
Keep this in mind: [You assume that] the Pharisees and the men who teach our laws [faithfully obey] what God commands. But if you do not obey those laws better than they obey them, you will by no means enter the place where God rules.”
21 Ihr habt gehört, daß zu den Alten gesagt worden ist: Du sollst nicht morden! Wer aber einen Mord begeht, der soll dem Ortsgericht verfallen sein.
“You have heard [your religious teachers say] that it was said {that [Moses] said} to your ancestors, ‘Do not murder [anyone.’ This implied that] if someone murders [another person], the judge will condemn that person [and] sentence him to be [executed] {[say that someone must execute him]}.
22 Ich aber sage euch: Wer seinem Bruder zürnt, der soll dem Ortsgericht verfallen; wer aber zu seinem Bruder mit Verachtung redet, der soll dem Hohen Rat verfallen; und wer das Scheltwort Narr gebraucht, der soll der Glut des Feuers verfallen. (Geenna g1067)
But what I say to you is this: [If you are] angry with someone, [God] will judge you. If you say to someone, ‘[You are worthless],’ the Jewish Council will judge you. If you [hate someone], and say to them 'You fool!' you. yourself, will be in danger of being thrown into the fires in hell. (Geenna g1067)
23 Wenn du also deine Opfergabe schon zum Altar gebracht hast, und es fällt dir dort ein, daß dein Bruder gegen dich einen Grund zur Klage hat,
So, when you take your gift [for God] to the altar, if you remember that you have offended someone,
24 so laß dort deine Opfergabe vor dem Altar stehn und geh zunächst hin und söhne dich mit deinem Bruder aus; dann erst komm und bring dein Opfer dar!
leave your gift by the altar, and first go [to the person you have offended]. Tell that person that you are sorry for what you have done, and ask that person to forgive you. Then go back and offer your gift [to God].
25 Zeig dich beizeiten deinem Gläubiger entgegenkommend, solange du noch mit ihm auf dem Wege bist! Sonst könnte dich der Gläubiger vor den Richter bringen und der Richter dich dem Büttel übergeben, und man könnte dich ins Schuldgefängnis werfen.
[Also], when a fellow citizen [takes you to court in order to] accuse you, settle accounts with that person quickly while you are walking with that person [to court]. Do that [while there still is time to do so] in order that he will not take you to the judge, [because if] the judge [favors the person who is accusing you, he will declare that you are guilty and send you] to the prison guard, and the prison guard will put you in prison.
26 Wahrlich, ich sage dir: Du kommst dort nicht eher heraus, als bis du den letzten Pfennig bezahlt hast.
Keep this in mind: [If you go to prison], you will never get out [because you will never be able to] pay all that the judge says that you owe [MET]. [And remember also that] you [ought to settle accounts with God before you die, too].”
27 Ihr habt gehört, daß gesagt worden ist: Du sollst nicht ehebrechen!
“You have heard [God’s] commandment, ‘Do not commit adultery.’
28 Ich aber sage euch: Wer ein Weib begehrlich anblickt, der hat schon in seinem Herzen Ehebruch mit ihr getrieben.
But what I say to you is this: If a man only looks at a woman desiring to have sex with her, [God considers that] his doing that [MET] is sin.
29 Wenn dich nun dein rechtes Auge zur Sünde verführt, so reiß es aus und wirf es von dir! Denn es ist dir besser, eins von deinen Gliedern geht dir verloren, als daß dein ganzer Leib in die Hölle geworfen werde. (Geenna g1067)
If because of what you see [MTY] you [are tempted to] sin, [stop looking at those things! Even if you have to] gouge out one of your eyes and throw it away [HYP] [to avoid sinning, do it!] It is good [that you not sin and] as a result [go to heaven, even though while you are still here on earth] you lack one [or both of] your eyes. But it is not good [that you continue to have two eyes and sin and, as a result, God] sends your whole body to hell. (Geenna g1067)
30 Und wenn dich deine rechte Hand zur Sünde verführt, haue sie ab und wirf sie von dir! Denn es ist dir besser, eins von deinen Gliedern geht dir verloren, als daß dein ganzer Leib in die Hölle fahre. (Geenna g1067)
If you are [tempted to] use one of your hands to sin [MTY], [stop using your hand. Even if you have to] cut your hand off and throw it away [to avoid sinning, do it] [HYP]! It is good [that you do not sin and as a result you go to heaven, even though while you are still here on earth] you lack one [or both] of your [hands]. But it is not good [that you sin and, as a result, God] sends your whole body to hell.” (Geenna g1067)
31 Ferner ist gesagt worden: Wer sein Weib entläßt, der soll ihr einen Scheidebrief geben.
“It is written {[Moses] wrote}, ‘If a man is divorcing his wife, he should write a document [on which he states that he is] divorcing her.’
32 Ich aber sage euch: Wer sein Weib entläßt — abgesehn von dem Falle, daß sie Unzucht getrieben —, der setzt sie der Gefahr aus, daß sie Ehebruch begeht; und wer eine (von ihrem Mann) entlassene Frau zum Weibe nimmt, der begeht damit einen Ehebruch.
But [now listen to what] I say to you: [A man] may [divorce his wife] only if she has committed adultery, [and not for any other reason]. If a man divorces his wife [for any other reason, and he has sex with another woman], he makes his wife become one against whom he has committed adultery, [because in God’s estimation she still is his wife]. Also, if a man marries a woman who is divorced {whose husband has divorced her}, [God considers] him [guilty of] committing adultery.”
33 Weiterhin habt ihr gehört, daß zu den Alten gesagt worden ist: Du sollst nicht falsch schwören, du sollst vielmehr dem Herrn deine Eide (und Gelübde) erfüllen.
“You have also heard [your religious teachers say] that it was written {that [Moses] wrote} to your ancestors, ‘Make sure that you do what you promised the Lord that you would do!’ [DOU]
34 Ich aber sage euch: Ihr sollt überhaupt nicht schwören: weder bei dem Himmel, denn er ist Gottes Thron,
But [now listen to what] I say to you: Never promise to do anything and then ask a superior being to affirm [that what you are saying will happen. For example, do] not [promise that you will give something and then ask spiritual beings in] heaven [MTY] [to affirm that you will do it], because heaven is where God [sits] on his throne [MTY] [to rule over people].
35 noch bei der Erde, denn sie ist seiner Füße Schemel, noch bei Jerusalem, denn sie ist des großen Königs Stadt.
[Also, do] not [promise that you will give something and then ask spiritual beings] on earth [MTY] [to affirm that you will do it], because the earth is where God rests his feet [MET]. [Also, do] not [promise that you will do something and ask religious authorities] in Jerusalem [to affirm that you will do it], because Jerusalem is the city where [God], the great King [rules].
36 Du sollst auch nicht bei deinem Haupte schwören; denn du bist nicht imstande, ein einziges Haar weiß oder schwarz zu machen.
[Also, do not promise that you will do something and then say that] your head [should be cut off] {[someone should cut off] your head} [if you do not do it]. You are not [even] able to [change the color of the hair of your head by] making one [black] hair white or one [white] hair black.
37 In eurer Rede sei vielmehr das Ja ein Ja, das Nein ein Nein; was dem hinzugefügt wird, stammt von dem Bösen.
[If you talk about doing something], just say ‘Yes, I [will do it],’ or ‘No, I [will not do it].’ [If you say] anything more than that, it is from [Satan], the Evil One.”
38 Ihr habt gehört, daß gesagt worden ist: Auge um Auge und Zahn um Zahn!
“You have heard [your religious teachers say] that [it is written] {[Moses wrote]}, ‘[Retaliate like this]: [If someone damages] one of your eyes, [someone should damage] one of that person’s eyes. [If someone damages] one of your teeth, [someone should damage] one of that person’s teeth.’
39 Ich aber sage euch: Setzt einem bösen Menschen keinen Widerstand entgegen! Im Gegenteil: Wer dich auf die rechte Wange schlägt, dem halte auch die andre hin!
But [now listen to what] I say to you: Do not take revenge for evil [deeds done] {[that other people do]} [to you]. Instead, if someone [insults you by] striking you on one cheek, turn your other cheek toward that person [in order that he can strike it also].
40 Und wer dir durch eine Klage vor Gericht dein Unterkleid entreißen will, dem gib freiwillig auch dein Oberkleid.
If someone wants to sue you and take your (inner garment/shirt), give him your (outer garment/coat) also.
41 Und wer dein Geleit für eine Meile haben will, mit dem gehe zwei!
If a [military authority] compels you to go with him one mile [and carry his gear], go with him two miles [and carry his gear].
42 Wer dich um etwas bittet, dem gib; und wer etwas von dir borgen will, von dem wende dich nicht ab!
Also, if someone asks you for [something], give [him what he is asking for]. If someone requests you to lend him [something], do not refuse [to lend it to him].”
43 Ihr habt gehört, daß gesagt worden ist: Du sollst deinen Nächsten lieben und deinen Feind hassen!
“You have heard [your religious teachers say that it is written that Moses wrote], ‘Love the citizens of your country and hate your enemies.’
44 Ich aber sage euch: Liebet eure Feinde und betet für eure Verfolger!
But [now listen to what] I say to you: Love your enemies [as well as your friends], and pray for those who cause you to suffer.
45 Dann zeigt ihr euch als Söhne eures Vaters im Himmel. Denn er läßt seine Sonne aufgehn über Böse und Gute und läßt regnen über Gerechte und Ungerechte.
Do that in order to imitate what [God], your Father [who is] in heaven, does. He desires that you [MET] do [like he does]. [He acts kindly to all people. For example, he causes] the sun to shine [equally] on wicked [people] and on good [people], and [he sends] rain [both] on righteous [people] and on unrighteous [people].
46 Denn wenn ihr nur die liebt, die euch lieben, was für eine Belohnung habt ihr da zu erwarten? Tun das nicht auch die Zöllner?
If you love [only] the people who love you, ([do not expect God to] reward you [in heaven]!/will [God] reward you [in heaven]?) [RHQ] [This is based on the fact that everyone], even the tax collectors, [who you think are very great sinners], love [RHQ] those who love them. [If you act like them], ([you are not any different from tax collectors!/in what way are you different from tax collectors]?) [RHQ]
47 Und wenn ihr nur mit euern Volksgenossen verkehrt, was tut ihr da Besonderes? Tun das nicht auch die Heiden?
If you want [God] to bless only your friends, (you are not acting any better than other people!/are you acting any better than other people?) [RHQ] Even the non-Jews, [who you think sin very much] (OR, [you think are unacceptable to God]), want God to bless their friends [RHQ], [but God does not reward them for that].
48 Darum sollt ihr vollkommen sein, wie euer himmlischer Vater vollkommen ist.
[You need to love those who do not love you], and in that way become perfect as [God] your Father, [who is] in heaven, is perfect.”
