Matthew 5:21-26
Summary for Matt 5:21-47: 5:21-47 a You have heard. ... But I say: Jesus contrasts his own teaching to six misinterpretations of the law. Each antithesis provides an example of the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals the will of God as it contrasts with traditions. 5:21 b our ancestors were told: The expression refers to the traditional interpretation of the teachers of religious law and Pharisees. Though their traditions prohibited murder, they did not prohibit hatred. The surpassing righteousness of Jesus demands reconciliation (5:23-24 c); merely refraining from committing murder is not sufficient (5:22 d).5:22 e judgment ... the court ... hell: The second and third punishments are more severe than would have been typical in Jesus’ day, emphasizing the surpassing righteousness of Jesus and his followers (see 5:20 f). They did not tolerate unreconciled relationships or any devaluation of others.
• If you call someone an idiot: The Aramaic term reqa’ (transliterated as raca) means something like “empty head,” and the clause probably means the same as if you curse someone (literally if you say, ‘You fool’; cp. Jas 2:20 g). Devaluation of people is a sin that manifests itself in various ways.
Summary for Matt 5:23-26: 5:23-26 h Jesus gives two illustrations of reconciliation in community and society.
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