Matthew 5:22

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, directly expanding the Sixth Commandment’s application from physical murder to internal disposition. He speaks at a moment of authoritative instruction, positioning his words as a direct contrast to the traditional understanding given to the ancients.

The words — The Greek term ὀργιζόμενος (orgizomenos) literally means “is being angry with,” denoting a sustained state of resentment rather than a momentary impulse. The pronoun ἐγώ (egō) translates to “I myself,” marking Jesus’ personal authority in redefining the law’s boundary.

The thread — The text’s condemnation of contempt and anger runs parallel to the Johannine epistles, which tie hatred toward a brother to remaining in spiritual darkness or death (1 John 2:9; 1 John 3:14). John explicitly states that claiming to love God while hating a brother makes one a liar (1 John 4:20).

Why it lands — The verse requires readers to treat internal resentment and verbal contempt as morally equivalent to murder, demanding immediate heart-level repentance. It instructs believers to prioritize interpersonal reconciliation over religious ritual, as the text links altar worship with unresolved brotherly conflict.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.
1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1 John 2:9 If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness.
Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Titus 3:2 to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 18:35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.