Raca
And whoever says to his brother, Raca, whoever gives way to anger so as to utter any contemptuous word. Commentators observe that Raca is a Syriac word which properly means empty, vain, foolish, so that it is as inoffensive an expression as can well be used toward someone with whom we are displeased. And yet whoever uses this, as our Lord assures us, shall be in danger of the council. Rather, he shall be exposed to it. He shall be liable to a severer sentence from the Judge of all the earth.
1771 text
9. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca: whosoever shall give way to anger, so as to utter any contemptuous word. It is observed by commentators, that Raca is a Syriack word, which properly signifies, empty, vain, foolish: So that it is as inoffensive an expression as can well be used, toward one at whom we are displeased. And yet whosoever should use this, as our Lord assures us, shall be in danger of the council: Rather, shall be obnoxious thereto: he shall be liable to a severer sentence from the Judge of all the earth.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 22 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:5-7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.