Textual Criticism of Matthew 5:22

It appears that "without a cause" was a late addition to Matthew 5:22. Early Greek manuscripts omit it, as do early church fathers who quote it.

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.

The Book of Mormon contains the Saviors words to the people of the Americas in which he repeats the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount given to the Israelites during his ministry. The Book of Mormon omits the "without a cause" from the verse corresponding to Matthew 5:22.

3 Nephi 12:22

But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Now there's something for critics of the Book of Mormon to consider. How did Joseph Smith know?

The NIV Bible adopts the Book of Mormon version of Matthew 5:22. Who would have thought that was possible?

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

If anyone ever notices, they'll probably add "without a cause" back in!