A little time with Scripture.
SCRIPTURE READER

Matthew 5:21-26

World English Bible · Public domain

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Matthew 5:21-26

21“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’

22But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

23“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,

24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.

26Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

World English Bible (WEB). Public-domain translation. Publisher: eBible.org. Local WEB chapter text; additional external requests use bible-api.com.

A few questions for reading in context
  • Who is speaking, and to whom?
  • What is happening before and after this passage?
  • What kind of writing is this—poetry, narrative, letter, or another form?
  • What does the passage say before I consider how to apply it?