The Meaning of the Word Raca

Daniel H. Ludlow

In the New Testament the Savior counseled his followers: ". . . whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council." (Matthew 5:22.) The Savior's teachings on this subject in the Book of Mormon are the same except the phrase "without a cause" is deleted. The word raca is used in both accounts, however, and students often wonder what this word means. In the original Semite tongue raca means vain or empty. Thus, the Savior is telling us not to call other people by such derogatory titles.

A Companion To Your Study of The Book of Mormon

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