The word in question that Jesus uses comes from the Aramaic term "Reqa" It is a derogatory expression meaning, empty headed and used in offensive ways to humiliate, degrade, or embarrass someone. The english version of this maybe "moron" or "fool". Keep in mind its not just the word itself, but rather the way and in what tone such words can be used toward another person. Jesus warns that the use of such expressions were deserving of the severest punishment of the law. Calling people cruel names, and humiliating people with bad intentions show the attitude of the heart and mind. One becomes morally guilty before God. Jesus took the sixth commandment, "thou shalt not murder", and went a step further by speaking on anger with malicious intent as being the root of a murderous spirit.
Matthew 5:22 "whosoever shall say to his brother, raca, shall be in danger of the council". Unrighteous anger and hurling insulting comments toward others causes potential for more serious acts of sin, such as murder. As described in this whole passage, Jesus considers this to be very serious.
2 Samuel 6:20 In this passage, Michal, Saul's daughter made insulting comments at king David, for which the king rebuked her. How Michal approached David and how she spoke to him, is an example of Jesus' use of "raca".
Final Thoughts
Abusive language reveal the true intent of one's heart and mind. Jeremiah 17:10, "I the Lord search the heart...." God knows the innermost secrets of our heart and mind. Think about the things we have said out of anger to our brothers and sisters. We could have gotten upset over something concerning our spouse and said hurtful things out of anger. It could have been a neighbor across the street or a stranger at some kind of event. Whatever the case may be, Jesus clearly teaches that the malicious language, insulting someone in ways that is hurtful or degrading should be avoided, because one could be in danger of "hell fire."
Matthew 5:22 "whosoever shall say to his brother, raca, shall be in danger of the council". Unrighteous anger and hurling insulting comments toward others causes potential for more serious acts of sin, such as murder. As described in this whole passage, Jesus considers this to be very serious.
2 Samuel 6:20 In this passage, Michal, Saul's daughter made insulting comments at king David, for which the king rebuked her. How Michal approached David and how she spoke to him, is an example of Jesus' use of "raca".
Final Thoughts
Abusive language reveal the true intent of one's heart and mind. Jeremiah 17:10, "I the Lord search the heart...." God knows the innermost secrets of our heart and mind. Think about the things we have said out of anger to our brothers and sisters. We could have gotten upset over something concerning our spouse and said hurtful things out of anger. It could have been a neighbor across the street or a stranger at some kind of event. Whatever the case may be, Jesus clearly teaches that the malicious language, insulting someone in ways that is hurtful or degrading should be avoided, because one could be in danger of "hell fire."
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