Introduction

In the pursuit to understand Matthew 5:27 accurately, we explore the textual variants that distinguish the original wording of Jesus’ teaching on adultery. Employing the Documentary Method and prioritizing the Alexandrian manuscripts, this analysis aims to discern the most authentic version of the verse, taking into account the broader context of Jesus’ sermon.

Manuscript Evidence and Analysis

Textual Variants Overview

1. Westcott-Hort (WH) and Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies (NU) Reading:

   • Greek: ἐρρέθη· οὐ μοιχεύσεις. (erréthē: ou moicheuseis.)
   • Translation: “it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’”
   • Manuscript Support: 𝔓64+67, Codex Sinaiticus (א), Codex Vaticanus (B)

2. Variant/Textus Receptus (TR):

   • Greek: ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις· ου μοιχευσεις (erréthē tois archaiois: ou moicheuseis)
   • Translation: “it was said to those of old, ‘Do not commit adultery.’”
   • Manuscript Support: Codex L (Δ), Codex Koridethi (Θ Uncial 038), 0233, Family 1, 33

External Evidence

The primary reading found in WH/NU is supported by the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, including 𝔓64+67 and significant codices such as Sinaiticus and Vaticanus. These manuscripts, dating from the 2nd to the 4th centuries, offer a strong textual basis for the original phrasing of Jesus’ admonition.

The variant reading “ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις” (to those of old) appears in later manuscripts and may reflect an editorial attempt to clarify the recipients of the original commandment. This inclusion, while aligning with Matthew’s broader thematic elements of contrasting Jesus’ teachings with traditional interpretations, is not supported by the earliest manuscript evidence.

Internal Evidence and Contextual Consideration

The addition of “to those of old” in the variant reading could be seen as a scribal expansion, consistent with Matthew’s stylistic pattern of contrasting Jesus’ new teachings with the old covenant laws. However, the absence of this phrase in the earliest texts suggests its later addition for harmonization purposes within Matthew’s narrative, especially given the similar constructions in subsequent verses.

Considering both the documentary and internal evidence, the most authentic reading of Matthew 5:27 is “ἐρρέθη· οὐ μοιχεύσεις,” “it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’” The variant including “τοις αρχαιοις” (to those of old) represents a later interpretative gloss, not present in the earliest and most authoritative manuscripts. This finding underscores the importance of adhering closely to the documentary evidence, particularly the Alexandrian text-type, in reconstructing the original text of the New Testament.

Codex Bezae (L)

Matthew 5:27 is present in Codex Bezae (L). However, it doesn’t directly support either the Textus Receptus (TR) or the Alexandrian Reading for this specific verse.

Here’s why:

• The Textus Receptus: Reads the verse as “πᾶς ὁ ὁρῶν γυναῖκα πρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτῆς ἤδη ἐμοιχεύθη μετ᾿ αὐτῆς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ” (pas ho horōn gunaika pros to epithumēsai autēs ēdē moicheuthe meť autēs en tē kardia autou), which translates to “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
• The Alexandrian Reading: Omits the phrase “ἤδη ἐμοιχεύθη μετ` αὐτῆς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ” (ēdē moicheuthe meť autēs en tē kardia autou), making the verse shorter and simply stating “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent.”

Codex Bezae’s reading: While containing the verse, does not fully align with either version:

• It includes the phrase “πᾶς ὁ ὁρῶν γυναῖκα πρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτῆς” (pas ho horōn gunaika pros to epithumēsai autēs), which aligns with both readings.
• However, it omits the crucial phrase “ἤδη ἐμοιχεύθη μετ` αὐτῆς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ” (ēdē moicheuthe meť autēs en tē kardia autou), which is present in the TR but absent in the Alexandrian Reading.

Therefore, Codex Bezae doesn’t definitively support either reading. It offers a variant closer to the Alexandrian Reading but doesn’t fully exclude the concept of “already committing adultery in the heart” presented in the TR.

It’s crucial to remember that textual criticism is a complex field and single manuscripts rarely offer definitive answers. Scholars consider various factors, including the lineage, date, and agreement with other manuscripts, to reach conclusions about the original wording.

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