Insult

Insult 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 (Ex 22:28), yet without any special penalty attached. The severity, however, with 'which disrespect towards sacred persons was punished appears from 2Ki 2:22 sq. There also occurs mention (Ps 22:8; Ps 38:21; La 2:15; Mt 27:39) of gestures of malicious mockery (wagging the head, הֵנַיעִ ראֹשׁ). Insult by abusive words (Mt 5:22, ῥακά; SEE RACA ) or stroke (smiting on the cheek, Job 16:10; Mt 5:39; Joh 18:22; Joh 19:3; pulling the ears, spitting upon, Mt 27:30, etc.) was, in later law, punished by fine (Mishna, Baba Kammer, 8, 6; comp. Mt 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.