Matthew 05:20-26 Jesus Creates a Poem about Judgment and Money

In Matthew 05:20-26, Jesus creates a Hebrew poem about judgment and money. The poem has three wordplays. Two of the wordplays hinge on the word for “Piece of Money.”

“Companion” חבירו
“Calls” יקרא
“Calls” יקרא
“Offer” קריב
“Companion” חבירו
“Companion” תברך
“Offer” קריב
“Gift” קרבנ

“Judgment” משפט
“Judgment” למשפט
“Judgment” במשפט
“Fool” שוטה
“Judge” השופט
“Judge” השופט
“Piece of Money” פרוטה

“Pharisees” הפרושים
“Piece of Money” פרוטה

Matthew 5:20 For I tell you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees {“Pharisees” (הפרושים)}, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be liable to judgment {“Judgment” (משפט)}. 22 But I say to you that anyone who is angry with his brother {“Companion” (חבירו)} shall be subject to judgment {“Judgment” (למשפט)}. And whoever says {“Calls” (יקרא)} to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be in danger {“Judgment” (במשפט)} of the council. But whoever says {“Calls” (יקרא)}, ‘You fool!’ {“Fool” (שוטה)} shall be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 Therefore, if you are offering {“Offer” (קריב)} your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother {“Companion” (חבירו)} has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go. First be reconciled to your brother {“Companion” (תברך)}; and then come and offer {“Offer” (קריב)} your gift {“Gift” (קרבנ)}. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge {“Judge” (השופט)}, the judge {“Judge” (השופט)} to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny {“Piece of Money” (פרוטה)}.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament