22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[1][2] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,'[3] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Other Translations of Matthew 5:22

King James Version

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, Raca: that is, Vain fellow shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

English Standard Version

22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brotherSome manuscripts insert without cause will be liable to judgment; whoever insultsGreek says Raca to (a term of abuse) his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hellGreek Gehenna; also verses 29, 30 of fire.

The Message

22 I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.

New King James Version

22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

New Living Translation

22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 5:22

Commentary on Matthew 5:21-26

(Read Matthew 5:21-26)

The Jewish teachers had taught, that nothing except actual murder was forbidden by the sixth commandment. Thus they explained away its spiritual meaning. Christ showed the full meaning of this commandment; according to which we must be judged hereafter, and therefore ought to be ruled now. All rash anger is heart murder. By our brother, here, we are to understand any person, though ever so much below us, for we are all made of one blood. "Raca," is a scornful word, and comes from pride: "Thou fool," is a spiteful word, and comes from hatred. Malicious slanders and censures are poison that kills secretly and slowly. Christ told them that how light soever they made of these sins, they would certainly be called into judgment for them. We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all our brethren; and if at any time there is a quarrel, we should confess our fault, humble ourselves to our brother, making or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed: and we should do this quickly; because, till this is done, we are unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. And when we are preparing for any religious exercises, it is good for us to make that an occasion of serious reflection and self-examination. What is here said is very applicable to our being reconciled to God through Christ. While we are alive, we are in the way to his judgement-seat; after death, it will be too late. When we consider the importance of the case, and the uncertainty of life, how needful it is to seek peace with God, without delay!