New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 5:22

The Sermon on the Mount

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. Matthew 5:22 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 5:22, in plain English

But Jesus says even anger toward someone puts you in danger of judgment. Calling someone worthless or a fool is taken just as seriously as the act of murder itself.

Why it's here

This is uncomfortable. We think as long as we don't physically harm someone, we're fine. Jesus says the damage starts with what we say and think.

Who's speaking

Jesus deepens the commandment against murder.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus shows that sin doesn't start with action. It starts with attitude. How you think about people matters as much as what you do to them.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus extends the murder prohibition to anger (orgizomenos), contempt ('Raca,' an Aramaic term meaning 'empty-headed/worthless'), and dehumanizing insult ('fool,' moros). The escalating punishments (judgment, Sanhedrin, Gehenna) parallel the escalating offenses.

Language and setting

Gehenna (ge-hinnom, the Valley of Hinnom) was Jerusalem's garbage dump where fires burned continuously, used as a metaphor for divine judgment. Jesus treats verbal abuse as morally equivalent to violence.

Voice

Jesus, teaching the first antithesis.

Significance

By tracing murder back to its root in contempt and anger, Jesus reveals that the real battleground is the human heart, not just human actions.

In context

Matthew 5:20–24

20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

21You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

22But 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.

23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Read all of Matthew 5 — Jesus turns the world's values upside down. The blessed aren't the powerful — they're the poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek.

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