From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

In our culture, there are things we say and do that are insulting.  We call people “stupid,” or “idiot.” In the lands and times of the Bible, there were also insults.

Jesus said calling someone, “Raca,” is in danger of the council.  The word “raca” is an Aramaic word.  It was such an insult to say this to a Judean that you could end up in court and go to jail.

To say “raca,” was considered the same as spitting in someone’s face.  To them it was extremely degrading.  The offense was punishable by the ruling council, the Sanhedrin.

However, Jesus indicated that calling someone a “fool” was even worse.  “Fool” in the Bible times, and even in some places today, means “bald head.”  It has nothing to do with how much hair one has, but rather with having nothing in the head; no sense, no intelligence.  In other words, it is a way to call someone an idiot.

In that culture, they believed that God was in them.  So, to call someone a fool was not only insulting the person, but since God was in them, it meant that God was also an idiot, which would obviously be a great insult to God.

There is a record in II Kings 2 of some people calling the man of God, Elisha, “bald head.”  This they said that to him as he was on his way to worship God.  That was indeed a very, very grave insult to both Elisha and God.

In our day and time many people say many insulting things to each other.  We ought to remember that because of the completed work of Christ, God is truly in us by way of His spirit which He gave us.  The Bible says that God dwells in you, that God is at work in you.  God’s gift of holy spirit is also described by the phrase, “Christ in you.”

We, as born again Christians, have the spirit of God dwelling in us; it is a part of us.  And while we may at times disagree or even do things that are unkind or unloving, perhaps we should think twice about the names or insults we are tempted to voice to one another.  Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.”

Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, That 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: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

II Kings 2:23
And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children [Idiomatic use – it means, “people,” and in this case most likely, “men.”] out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

I John 4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.

Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

II Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

John 13:35
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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