DA33
We are not to look down on a brother.
Category: Neighbours & Brothers
Type: Negative
Form: Explicit
Source dataset: New Testament
Uniqueness: Not unique
Classical commandment: No
New Covenant Literal Application
Applies to Person Categories: Not specified
Literal Application: Not specified
More explanation about New Covenant Literal Application
The New Covenant Literal Application Code (NCLA) is an interpretive guide used by the authors to indicate which person categories a mitzvah applies to, and at what level of literal compliance.
It combines person categories such as Jewish, K'rov Yisrael, and Gentile, together with male/female distinctions and an application level such as mandated, recommended, optional, or prohibited.
This code reflects the authors' interpretive opinion and is provided for prayerful consideration. On this page, the technical code is summarized into plain language to help new readers understand it more easily.
Bible references
Key NT Scriptures
- Matthew 5:22
- Romans 14:10
- Titus 2:15
Supportive NT Scriptures
- Luke 18:9
- Matthew 18:10
- Romans 14:2-3
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Supportive OT Scriptures
-
Proverbs 3:34
-
Proverbs 23:22
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Commentary
Rabbi Michael Rudolph
Looking down on others, as meant in this Mitzvah usually results from comparing ourselves to others and, with disrespect, concluding that we are superior or better. It is the sin of pride that is spoken against in the Mitzvot in category “EA. Humility & Pride,” infra. What this Mitzvah does not preclude is our observing the conduct of another, and objectively concluding that it can or should be improved or discontinued. The key Scriptures that support this Mitzvah refer to “brother” and not “neighbor” Yet, referring to Mitzvah #DA31 and Proverbs 14:21 : “He who despises his fellow sins, but he who shows compassion to the humble is happy.” The word in Hebrew translated “fellow” is so broad as to include our neighbor, regardless of our neighbor’s belief in God or Yeshua, and the word in Hebrew translated “despises” is similar to the words “looking down on” (“hates” in DA31). It is because of this Scripture and the commandment to “love your neighbor” in Matthew 22:39, that although this Mitzvah is about brothers, I believe the wider message of the Bible is to not look down on a “fellow human being.”
Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 3
Source and License
Based on The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective by Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster.
License: CC BY-ND 4.0 (Attribution required, NoDerivatives). CC BY-ND 4.0
Disclaimer: the original content is authored by Rabbi Michael Rudolph and Rabbi Daniel Juster; additional notes or implementation details on this website are not part of their original work and do not represent their views.
Record source: The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 3
Copyright note: Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 3