Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "Raca" is an Aramaic expression found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew. It is a term of contempt or derision, often translated as "empty-headed," "fool," or "worthless." The word is derived from the Aramaic "reqa," which conveys a sense of emptiness or worthlessness. Biblical Reference: The term "Raca" appears in Matthew 5:22, where Jesus addresses the seriousness of anger and insults among His followers. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell." Context and Interpretation: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on the traditional understanding of the law, emphasizing the spirit rather than the letter. By addressing the use of "Raca," Jesus highlights the importance of treating others with respect and the dangers of harboring contemptuous attitudes. The use of such derogatory language is equated with serious moral and spiritual consequences, underscoring the value of human dignity and the need for reconciliation. Theological Significance: The admonition against using the term "Raca" reflects a broader biblical principle of love and respect for one's neighbor. It aligns with the teachings of Jesus on the importance of the heart's intentions and the call to live in harmony with others. The passage serves as a reminder of the sanctity of human relationships and the need to avoid demeaning or belittling others. Cultural and Historical Background: In the cultural context of first-century Judea, verbal insults were taken seriously, as they could lead to social and legal repercussions. The reference to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, indicates the gravity of such offenses. Jesus' teaching would have challenged His audience to reconsider their attitudes and behaviors towards others, promoting a community marked by love and mutual respect. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to examine their speech and attitudes, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ. The warning against using "Raca" serves as a call to cultivate a heart of compassion and humility, avoiding words that harm or degrade others. This teaching invites Christians to pursue reconciliation and peace, reflecting the love of Christ in their interactions with others. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary RacaEaston's Bible Dictionary Vain, empty, worthless, only found in Matthew 5:22. The Jews used it as a word of contempt. It is derived from a root meaning "to spit." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A term of reproach used by the Jews of our Savior's time, meaning worthless.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RACAra'-ka, ra-ka'> (rhaka, Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek with Codices Sinaiticus (corrected), Vaticanus, Codex E, etc.; rhacha, Tischendorf with Codices Sinaiticus (original hand) and Bezae; Aramaic reqa', from req, "empty"): Vain or worthless fellow; a term of contempt used by the Jews in the time of Christ. In the Bible, it occurs in Matthew 5:22 only, but John Lightfoot gives a number of instances of the use of the word by Jewish writers (Hot. Hebrew., edition by Gandell, Oxford, 1859, II, 108). Chrysostom (who was acquainted with Syriac as spoken in the neighborhood of Antioch) says it was equivalent to the Greek su, "thou," used contemptuously instead of a man's name. Jerome rendered it inanis aut vacuus absque cerebro. It is generally explained as expressing contempt for a man's intellectual capacity (= "you simpleton!"), while more (translated "thou fool"), in the same verse is taken to refer to a man's moral and religious character (= "you rascal!" "you impious fellow!"). Thus we have three stages of anger, with three corresponding grades of punishment: Greek 4469. rhaka -- empty (an expression of contempt) ... Raca. Of Chaldee origin (compare reyq); O empty one, ie Thou worthless (as a term of utter vilification) -- Raca. see HEBREW reyq. (raka) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4469.htm - 6k Library Chapter ix. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Chapter x. Whether the Philosopher Suitably Assigns the Species of Anger? The New Form of the Old Law Agree with Thine Adversary With the Rev. William Burns Matt. v. 17 Blessed be He that Blots Out in Water Misdeeds that are Without ... Further Exposure of the Wicked and Blasphemous Doctrines of the ... Thesaurus Raca (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A term of reproach used by the Jews of our Savior's time, meaning worthless. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RACA. ... /r/raca.htm - 10k Tomb (70 Occurrences) Rachel's (5 Occurrences) Raddai (1 Occurrence) Rab-shakeh (14 Occurrences) Judged (201 Occurrences) Liable (7 Occurrences) Lightly (31 Occurrences) Gehenna (12 Occurrences) Resources Why did Jesus warn against saying the word 'raca' in Matthew 5:22? | GotQuestions.orgHow does the Bible describe a fool? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Matthew | GotQuestions.org Raca: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Raca (1 Occurrence)Matthew 5:22 Subtopics Raca: (Roughly Translated "Fool" But Means "You Good-For-Nothing Moron!")) Related Terms |
    |