Raca
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Raca in the Bible?
Raca is an Aramaic term of contempt found in the New Testament, literally meaning 'empty-headed' or 'worthless,' used to describe a person of low intelligence or moral character.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific meaning of this term reveals the depth of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:22, where he elevates the prohibition against verbal abuse to the same moral seriousness as murder, thereby underscoring the intrinsic value of every individual in Christian ethics.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Raca. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Raca in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Raca clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Matthew 5:22
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Raca." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/raca/