Insult
Insult [1]
or such a treatment of another, in word or deed, as to express contempt, is not definitely taken cognizance of in the Mosaic law; only the reviling of superiors is forbidden ( Exodus 22:28), yet without any special penalty attached. The severity, however, with ‘ which disrespect towards sacred persons was punished appears from 2 Kings 2:22 sq. There also occurs mention ( Psalms 22:8; Psalms 38:21; Lamentations 2:15; Matthew 27:39) of gestures of malicious mockery (wagging the head, הֵנַיעִ ראֹשׁ ). Insult by abusive words ( Matthew 5:22, ῥακά; (See Raca) ) or stroke (smiting on the cheek, Job 16:10; Matthew 5:39; John 18:22; John 19:3; pulling the ears, spitting upon, Matthew 27:30, etc.) was, in later law, punished by fine (Mishna, Baba Kammer, 8, 6; comp. Matthew 5:22), as also in Roman law. For a marked public affront which Herod Agrippa I received at Alexandria, see Philo, 2, 522. (See Courtesy).
