Matthew 05:21-24 What did Jesus really say about your brother?

In Matthew 5:21-24, Jesus creates a poem centered on the Hebrew word for “brother” or “friend.” Jesus creates puns based on the Hebrew word for friend “chavera” by substituting “k” for “ch” and changing the arrangement of the letters. The “v” and “b” sounds are the same letter in Hebrew. The following puns are used in the passage:

“Companion” (חבירו) chavera

“Calls” (יקרא) akara

“Offer” (קריב) kariv

“Gift” (קרבנ) karban

In verse 24, the Hebrew word for brother also means TO BLESS. One way to be reconciled with you brother is to bless him!

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 22 But I say to you that anyone who is angry with his brother {“Companion” (חבירו) chavera} shall be subject to judgment. And whoever says {“Calls” (יקרא) akara} to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says {“Calls” (יקרא) akara}, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 Therefore, if you are offering {“Offer” (קריב) kariv} your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother {“Companion” (חבירו) chavera} has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go. First be reconciled to your brother {“Companion” (תברך) chaverak}; and then come and offer {“Offer” (קרב) kariv} your gift {“Gift” (קרבנ) karban}.

Note: Most scholars believe that Jesus spoke a Semitic language either Aramaic or Hebrew or both.

Based on the book, “The Passion: The Poetry of God”