Fools

Why did Jesus and others call people foolish, when Jesus taught us not to? Let’s ask:

1. Are they the same words in Greek? No! Matthew 5:22 actually uses two words translated as “fool.” The first is raca (ῥακά), meaning empty and foolish, “good-for-nothing” (NASB) and “idiot” (CEB, MSG, NLT). The second is from móros (μωρός), meaning stupid, foolish, and “worthless” (CEV). Jesus condemned such words and the anger behind them.

2. Did Jesus and others also use other words? Yes! When they called people fools or foolish, they used different words. Our translations make it look contradictory.

3. One such word is aphrón (ἄφρων). What does it mean? Though often translated as foolish or fool, it is a different word than that condemned by Jesus. It means without reason and lacking perspective. It describes a lack of good logic (Luke 11:40; Luke 12:20; Romans 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:36; 2 Corinthians 11:19; Ephesians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:15). Jesus challenged us to a thinking faith.

4. Another word is anoétos (ἀνόητος). What does it mean? Also translated as fool or foolish it also means not understanding and not reasoning though a matter with proper logic. It is found in passages that challenge a person’s thinking (Luke 24:25; Galatians 3:1; Galatians 3:3). Faith is built upon good logic, proper reasoning.

5. What did Jesus mean in context (Matthew 5:21-26)? Jesus was speaking about unrighteous anger, and the spirit of the commandment against murder. Righteous anger hates sin because it hurts people. Unrighteous anger hates people and devalues human life. The spirit of the law is violated by that anger and the words used expose it.