Interpretation of Matthew 5:21 in the Context of Anger
Interpretation of Matthew 5:21 in the Context of Anger
Matthew 5:21 states, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment'" [1]. Jesus then contrasts this with his own teaching, "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment" (Matthew 5:22, Geneva1599 translation) [1]. The passage is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he reinterprets traditional Jewish law.
The literary context of Matthew 5:21-22 is Jesus' expansion on the Sixth Commandment, emphasizing that anger is not just a feeling but can be a sinful attitude that leads to judgment. The surrounding verses (Matthew 5:23-24) instruct followers to reconcile with their brothers before offering gifts at the altar, highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships and forgiveness.
The historical setting is Jesus' teaching in the early 1st century AD, addressing a Jewish audience familiar with the law. The passage reflects Jesus' role as an interpreter of the law, contrasting his teaching with traditional interpretations [4].
The key term here is "anger" (Greek: ὀργή, orgē), which can be understood as a natural human emotion or as a sinful disposition. The distinction is crucial, as some traditions view anger as potentially righteous when directed against sin, while others see it as inherently sinful [2, 5].
The major exegetical decision revolves around the interpretation of "angry with his brother" and the implications for judgment. The Geneva1599 translation includes "vnaduisedly" (without cause), suggesting that unjustified anger is the focus [1].
Interpretations of Matthew 5:21-22 vary across traditions. Reformed theologian Charles Hodge understands the passage as forbidding malice in all its forms, distinguishing between allowable anger and sinful malice [5]. In contrast, some Patristic interpretations, such as Augustine's, emphasize the dangers of unchecked anger, linking it to the lust for vengeance [6]. Jewish Rabbinic tradition, as seen in the Midrash Rabbah, discusses anger in the context of God's relationship with Israel, suggesting that while God's anger is a response to sin, it is also potentially assuaged [3].
The passage has functioned in Christian tradition to emphasize the importance of controlling anger and seeking reconciliation. It has been used in various theological discussions, including the nature of sin, the role of emotions in Christian life, and the relationship between justice and forgiveness.
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 5:22 (Geneva1599) — But I say vnto you, whosoeuer is angry with his brother vnaduisedly, shalbe culpable of iudgment. And whosoeuer sayth vnto his brother, Raca, shalbe worthy to be punished by the Councill. And whosoeuer shall say, Foole, shalbe worthy to be punished with hell fire.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Anger — The emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Ps. 7:11).”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Eichah Rabbah 5:22: “For You have despised us, You have been exceedingly angry with us” (Lamentations 5:22). “For You have despised us, You have been exceedingly angry with us.” Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish said: If it is despising, there is no hope; if it is anger, there is hope, as anyone who is angry will ultimately be assuaged. 29 Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish interprets the verse based on the doubled term for despised in the Hebrew [ ma’os me’astanu ], such that the verse can be understood to imply the following: If You have despised [ ma’os ], You will continuously despise us; but i”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:21: 5:21-47 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 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); merely refraining from committing mur”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 48: § 10. The Sixth Commandment. Its Design. This commandment, as expounded by our Lord ( Matt. v. 21, 22 ), forbids malice in all its degrees and in all its manifestations. The Bible recognizes the distinction between anger and malice. The former is on due occasion allowable; the other is in its nature, and therefore always, evil. The one is a natural or constitutional emotion arising out of the experience or perception of wrong, and includes not only disapprobation but also indignation, and a desire in some way to redress or punish the wron”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — AGAIN ON THE LORD'S PRAYER, MATT. VI. TO THE COMPETENTES. (part 6): and so the Sun of righteousness go down upon thee, and thou abide in darkness. 8. Now do not think that anger is nothing. "Mine eye was disordered because of anger,"(13) saith the Prophet. Surely he whose eye is disordered cannot see the sun; and if he should try. to see it, it were pain, and no pleasure to him. And what is anger? The lust of vengeance. A man lusteth to be avenged, and Christ is not yet avenged, the holy martyrs are not yet avenged. Still doth the patience of ”