Life and Relationships

What Does Jesus Mean When He Says He Came to Fulfill the Law?

Jesus's statement that He came to fulfill rather than destroy the law means He perfectly obeyed its requirements, brought out its full intended meaning, and completed the sacrificial system it pointed toward, rather than abolishing God's moral standard.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

0 views
Law

Biblical explanation

Jesus said plainly, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (), immediately followed by teaching that intensifies the law's demands by addressing the heart's intentions behind anger and lust, not merely outward actions (). This shows that fulfilling the law involved revealing its full depth and true intent, going beyond mere external compliance. As the perfect sacrifice foreshadowed by the Old Testament sacrificial system, Jesus also fulfilled the ceremonial law's ultimate purpose (), while His sinless life fulfilled the law's requirement of perfect righteousness on behalf of those who trust in Him ().

In brief

Jesus said plainly, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (), immediately followed by teaching that intensifies the law's demands by addressing the heart's intentions behind anger and lust, not merely outward actions ().

Bible references

Go deeper into this topic Are the Ten Commandments Still Important? Start the study

Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.