Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 5:22. It's a really important one about how we should treat others. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse warns against reacting with anger and harshness towards people who are wronged or offended. It’s saying that how you react to someone else’s problem is just as important as what you say. Let's break it down word by word: "But I say unto you..." : This is a way of introducing a warning – like a leader speaking to their followers. It’s setting the stage for something important. "...That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:" This means that if you are angry and don't have a good reason, it could lead to being punished by God. "Judgment" refers to God’s righteous anger at wrongdoing. It’s like saying: “If you react poorly, there could be consequences.” "...and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council:" This is about speaking harshly or insulting someone. "Raca" is a name that’s often used as a symbol for those who are being wronged – like someone who's being treated unfairly. "...but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." : This is the most impactful part. It says that speaking negatively about someone, especially with malice and disrespect, could lead to eternal punishment (hellfire). It’s a very strong warning. In simpler terms: Don't let your anger ruin relationships or cause harm. Speak kindly and respectfully, and you’ll be protected by God. Don’t say hurtful things; it can have serious consequences. Why is this important? This verse is often called "The Sermon on the Mount" because Jesus uses it to teach about living a righteous life – living in accordance with God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss how this verse relates to other teachings in the Bible? Give you some examples of how to respond to someone who is upset?