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.
Matthew 5:22
This verse intensifies the previous one by addressing the escalation from anger to harmful language. “Without a cause” is debated among scholars, but the broader point is clear: unguarded anger and contempt toward another person can lead to judgment. Jesus uses three escalating terms: “Raca” (an insult implying worthlessness), “thou fool” (a more severe judgment of the person’s moral failing), and the ultimate danger of hell fire. The cultural context shows that speech could carry severe social and religious consequences—public disputes, community sanctions, and ritual impurity were tied to words spoken in anger. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is reordering the priorities of the heart; the standard for righteousness is higher than simply avoiding murder. The warning against severe insults indicates that the heart’s violence can be as deadly as physical violence, harming both individuals and community harmony.
Theological themes include the seriousness of human speech, the dignity of others as image-bearers, and the universality of moral judgment. The passage connects internal disposition with external consequences: wrongful speech is not merely a personal peccadillo but a matter that affects communal life before God. It also prefigures the New Testament emphasis on reconciliation and peacemaking (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18). The text challenges readers to recognize that God’s justice evaluates the total person—heart, word, and action. It points to the need for grace-enabled transformation to bridge the gap between motive and outcome.
In everyday life, watch how you speak about others—especially when you’re frustrated or stressed. Before you label someone “Raca” or “fool,” pause to assess whether your judgment is fair, loving, and constructive. Workplace disagreements, family tensions, and online interactions all hinge on respectful speech. If you’ve spoken harshly, seek reconciliation, apologize, and ask for forgiveness. Building healthy communities means choosing language that builds people up, even in disagreement. Consider implementing “cool-down” practices: take a pause before replying online; use humor that uplifts rather than derides; address issues, not personal worth. This verse invites believers to pursue peacemaking through careful speech that honors God and neighbors alike.
Cross-References: James 3:9-12; Proverbs 16:24; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Psalm 19:14