Keraia
Matthew 5

Matthew 5:22

Anger and Reconciliation · Matthew 5:21–26
Read Matthew 5

Translations

Modern
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Traditional
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Literal
But I say to you that everyone being angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever may say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever may say, ‘Fool!’ will be liable to the Gehenna of fire.
Latin
Ego autem dico vobis: quia omnis qui irascitur fratri suo, reus erit judicio. Qui autem dixerit fratri suo, raca: reus erit concilio. Qui autem dixerit, fatue: reus erit gehennæ ignis.

Original

Greek
English
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Notes

Matthew 5:22

  • Judgment … Sanhedrin … hell: The second and third punishments are more severe than usual in the time of Jesus. This emphasizes the surpassing righteousness of Jesus and his followers (see Matthew 5:20). They did not accept unresolved conflicts or treating other people as unimportant.

  • anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’: The Aramaic term reqa’ (transliterated as raca) means something like "empty head." This probably means the same thing as cursing someone (literally if you say, ‘You fool’; compare James 2:20). Thinking that other people are unimportant is a sin that expresses itself in different ways.

Matthew 5:21–47

You have heard … But I tell you: Jesus contrasts his teachings to six misunderstandings of the law. Each example shows the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals God's will, which contrasts with human traditions.

Events

Parallels

Luke 12:57–59

People

Raca: An Aramaic term of contempt meaning "empty-headed"

Glossary

Anger Biblical Concept of Law Commandments, the Ten Descent into Hell Discipline Gehenna Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Hell Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Moses Place of the Dead Raca Reward Sea of Galilee Topheth Word, Word of God, Words of God

Topics

10 Commandments Anger: Forbidden Anger: General Scriptures Concerning Bad Attitude Being Rude Calling Someone a Fool Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Courts of Justice: The Judgment of Allusions To Degrees of Sin Domestic Violence Fraternity: General Scriptures Concerning Hell in the RV the Greek Word |Gehenna| is Translated |Hell| in the Following Scriptures Homicide: Felonious, or Murder Instruction in Religion Judaism: The Religion of the Jews: To Make Room for the Gospel Law: Temporary Murder: Explained by Christ Name Calling Punishment: According to Deeds Raca: (Roughly Translated |Fool| but Means |You Good-For-Nothing Moron!|)) Religion: True Reviling and Reproaching: Punishment For Rudeness Sibling Love Sibling Rivalry Sisters Speaking: Evil Spite Swearing and Cursing The Sanctity of Life