Matthew 5:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
say
G3004
λέγω
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 40
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 40
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργιζόμενος
is angry
G3710
ὀργιζόμενος
is angry
Strong's:
G3710
Word #:
8 of 40
to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῷ
brother
G80
ἀδελφῷ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
10 of 40
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 40
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρίσει·
of the judgment
G2920
κρίσει·
of the judgment
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
16 of 40
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
ὃς
whosoever
G3739
ὃς
whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 40
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῷ
brother
G80
ἀδελφῷ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
22 of 40
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 40
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ῥακά
Raca
G4469
Ῥακά
Raca
Strong's:
G4469
Word #:
24 of 40
o empty one, i.e., thou worthless (as a term of utter vilification)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνεδρίῳ·
of the council
G4892
συνεδρίῳ·
of the council
Strong's:
G4892
Word #:
28 of 40
a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal
ὃς
whosoever
G3739
ὃς
whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
29 of 40
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Μωρέ
Thou fool
G3474
Μωρέ
Thou fool
Strong's:
G3474
Word #:
33 of 40
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
εἰς
of
G1519
εἰς
of
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
36 of 40
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
37 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γέενναν
hell
G1067
γέενναν
hell
Strong's:
G1067
Word #:
38 of 40
valley of (the son of) hinnom; ge-henna (or ge-hinnom), a valley of jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting p
Cross References
1 John 2:9He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Titus 3:2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.Matthew 18:35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Psalms 109:3They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.Matthew 18:21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Historical Context
Gehenna referenced the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem, used as a garbage dump with continual burning. It became a vivid image for eternal judgment. The progression from 'judgment' to 'council' to 'hell fire' emphasizes escalating seriousness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you speak about people you disagree with or dislike—with contempt or compassion?
- Why does Jesus consider verbal contempt and character assassination as seriously as physical murder?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus equates anger with murder in principle. The Greek 'raca' means 'empty-headed' or 'worthless'—a contemptuous insult. Calling someone 'fool' (moros) questions their moral character, not just intelligence. Such contempt makes one liable to hell fire (Gehenna), showing God's serious view of interpersonal sin.