King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:22 Mean?

Matthew 5:22 in the King James Version says “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and who... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. Raca: that is, Vain fellow

Matthew 5:22 · KJV


Context

20

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to

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. Raca: that is, Vain fellow

23

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you speak about people you disagree with or dislike—with contempt or compassion?
  2. Why does Jesus consider verbal contempt and character assassination as seriously as physical murder?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 40 words
ἐγὼ1 of 40

I

G1473

i, me

δ'2 of 40

But

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγω3 of 40

say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν4 of 40

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι5 of 40

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πᾶς6 of 40

whosoever

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

7 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀργιζόμενος8 of 40

is angry

G3710

to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated

τῷ9 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφῷ10 of 40

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ11 of 40
G846

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

εἰκῆ12 of 40

without a cause

G1500

idly, i.e., without reason (or effect)

ἔνοχος13 of 40

in danger

G1777

liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation)

ἔσται14 of 40

shall be

G2071

will be

τῇ15 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρίσει·16 of 40

of the judgment

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

ὃς17 of 40

whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'18 of 40

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν19 of 40
G302

whatsoever

εἴπῃ20 of 40

shall say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῷ21 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφῷ22 of 40

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ23 of 40
G846

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

Ῥακά24 of 40

Raca

G4469

o empty one, i.e., thou worthless (as a term of utter vilification)

ἔνοχος25 of 40

in danger

G1777

liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation)

ἔσται26 of 40

shall be

G2071

will be

τῷ27 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συνεδρίῳ·28 of 40

of the council

G4892

a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal

ὃς29 of 40

whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'30 of 40

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν31 of 40
G302

whatsoever

εἴπῃ32 of 40

shall say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Μωρέ33 of 40

Thou fool

G3474

dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd

ἔνοχος34 of 40

in danger

G1777

liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation)

ἔσται35 of 40

shall be

G2071

will be

εἰς36 of 40

of

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν37 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γέενναν38 of 40

hell

G1067

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

τοῦ39 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πυρός.40 of 40

fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 5:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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