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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 (Exo_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 (Psa_22:8; Psa_38:21; Lam_2:15; Mat_27:39) of gestures of malicious mockery (wagging the head, äֵðַéòִ øàֹùׁ ). Insult by abusive words (Mat_5:22, ῥáêÜ ; SEE RACA ) or stroke (smiting on the cheek, Job_16:10; Mat_5:39; Joh_18:22; Joh_19:3; pulling the ears, spitting upon, Mat_27:30, etc.) was, in later law, punished by fine (Mishna, Baba Kammer, 8, 6; comp. Mat_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.