Matthew 5:21-26

Murder Begins In The Heart

5:21

Jesus is referring to the 5th Commandment of the 10 Commandments, where it says “do not murder”

5:22

Who is angry with his brother.

Angry in the Greek means

Long lived anger

Seething anger, or furious.

Unexpressed hatred.

Having long anger toward someone or hating them is the same as murder.

Jesue says that those who do are liable to the judgement.

The judgement for murder was death.

A lot of scholars believe Jesus is referring to the judgement of God. As it is an attitude can not be judged in a court or council.

How does this warrant eternal judgement?

1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

Leviticus 19:17-18 Do not harbor hatred against your brother., Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. 18 Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

Whoever insults his brother.

Some versions say Raka

Insult here in the Greek or Raka mean

Numbskull

Empty-head

Stupid

good for nothing.

It was abusive speech that attacked ones character.

This was highly offensive in the Jewish culture of Jesus day.

This was an offence that could be taken before Jewish council or court

Whoever says you fool.

This is almost the same concept as insult of Raka.

Though it had more of a godlessness meaning to it, one who did not know God and rebelled.

It was worse to say this to someone than the pervious insult or word Raka.