Mark 9:43

KJV

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} thy {G4675} hand {G5495} offend {G4624} thee {G4571}, cut {G609} it {G846} off {G609}: it is {G2076} better {G2570} for thee {G4671} to enter {G1525} into {G1519} life {G2222} maimed {G2948}, than {G2228} having {G2192} two {G1417} hands {G5495} to go {G565} into {G1519} hell {G1067}, into {G1519} the fire {G4442} that never shall be quenched {G762}:

Complete Jewish Bible

If your hand makes you sin, cut it off! Better that you should be maimed but obtain eternal life, rather than keep both hands and go to Gei-Hinnom, to unquenchable fire!

Berean Standard Bible

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.

American Standard Version

And if thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:43 delivers a profoundly challenging teaching from Jesus, employing vivid hyperbole to underscore the radical measures required to avoid sin and secure eternal life. This verse, part of a larger discourse on stumbling blocks and the nature of true discipleship, asserts that it is infinitely preferable to sacrifice anything—even something as vital as a hand—that causes one to sin, rather than to cling to it and face the eternal, unquenchable judgment of hell. It is a stark call to uncompromising spiritual integrity and a recognition of the immense stakes involved in one's moral choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 9:43 is situated within a crucial section of Jesus' ministry where He is teaching His disciples about the true nature of the Kingdom of God and the demands of discipleship. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus issues a severe warning against causing "one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble" ([Mark 9:42](/mark/9-42 "Mark 9:42 - Causing Others to Stumble")). He then shifts the focus from causing others to stumble to preventing oneself from stumbling, using the shocking imagery of self-mutilation. This teaching is not isolated but is part of a triadic warning, repeated for the hand, foot, and eye in [Mark 9:43-48](/mark/9-43-48 "Mark 9:43-48 - Warnings Against Stumbling"), emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the radical commitment required to overcome it. The passage culminates with a chilling description of Gehenna, reinforcing the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery Jesus uses, particularly "Gehenna" (hell), would have resonated powerfully with His Jewish audience. Gehenna, or the Valley of Hinnom, was a literal valley just southwest of Jerusalem, infamous in Israel's history as a place where child sacrifices to the pagan god Molech had occurred ([2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Topheth in Hinnom")). By Jesus' time, it had become a perpetually burning rubbish dump where fires consumed refuse and the bodies of criminals, often accompanied by maggots. This made it a potent symbol of defilement, destruction, and divine judgment. The concept of "offending" (skandalizō) also carries significant weight, referring to a "stumbling block" or "snare" that causes one to fall morally or spiritually. In a society where physical wholeness was often associated with spiritual purity, Jesus' shocking call to "maim" oneself would have been even more jarring, highlighting the paramount importance of spiritual integrity over physical perfection.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. It profoundly emphasizes **Radical Discipleship**, illustrating that following Jesus demands an uncompromising commitment, even to the point of "cutting off" anything, no matter how cherished or seemingly essential, that hinders one's spiritual journey. The passage also highlights the **Severity of Sin**, portraying it not as a minor transgression but as a grave spiritual threat with eternal consequences. The stark contrast between "life" and "hell" underscores the theme of **Eternal Consequences and Divine Judgment**, a recurring motif in Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of God and the ultimate destiny of humanity ([Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Personal Accountability**, shifting from the previous verse's warning about causing others to stumble to an intense focus on individual responsibility for one's own spiritual purity and destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** From G4624, meaning to entrap, trip up, or entice to sin, apostasy, or displeasure. It signifies more than merely annoying someone; it implies actively causing spiritual ruin or leading someone into a moral fall. In this context, it refers to anything that acts as a "stumbling block" to one's own spiritual walk, leading to sin.
* **maimed (Greek, _kyllós'_):** From G2948, meaning crippled or rocking about, specifically in feet or hands. Jesus uses this term to describe the physical state of someone who has undergone the radical "cutting off" He metaphorically commands, contrasting it with spiritual wholeness in eternal life. It emphasizes the physical sacrifice for spiritual gain.
* **hell (Greek, _géenna'_):** From G1067, of Hebrew origin (Ge Hinnom), referring to the Valley of Hinnom. Figuratively, it is used as a name for the place or state of everlasting punishment. Jesus employs this term to denote the ultimate, terrifying destination for those who refuse to deal decisively with sin.
* **quenched (Greek, _ásbestos'_):** From G762, meaning not extinguished or, by implication, perpetual. When applied to fire, it signifies an unceasing, eternal flame. This word underscores the permanent and unending nature of the judgment awaiting those who enter "hell," emphasizing its finality and horror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off:"** Jesus begins with a conditional statement, using the "hand" as a symbol of one's actions, work, or means of interaction with the world. The phrase "offend thee" (skandalizō) means if it causes you to stumble into sin. The command "cut it off" is hyperbole, a deliberate exaggeration to shock the listener and emphasize the extreme, decisive action required. It calls for a ruthless severing of anything—habit, relationship, desire, activity—that consistently leads one into sin.
* **"it is better for thee to enter into life maimed,"** This clause presents the first part of a stark contrast. "Life" (zōḗ) here refers to eternal life, a state of blessed existence with God. To "enter into life maimed" implies that even with significant personal sacrifice, loss, or pain in this earthly existence, the spiritual outcome of eternal life is infinitely superior to any alternative. The physical "maiming" is a metaphor for the cost of spiritual purity.
* **"than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:"** This is the second, terrifying part of the contrast. "Having two hands" symbolizes clinging to those things that cause one to sin, refusing to make the necessary sacrifices. "Hell" (Gehenna) signifies a place of ultimate, eternal punishment and destruction. The phrase "into the fire that never shall be quenched" (ásbestos) emphasizes the unceasing, unending nature of this judgment, highlighting its finality and the utter horror of eternal separation from God.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in this verse to convey His urgent message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, the intentional exaggeration for emphasis, seen in the command to "cut it off." This is not meant to be taken literally as self-mutilation, but rather to impress upon the listener the radical and uncompromising nature of the spiritual surgery required to deal with sin. The "hand" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing one's actions, deeds, or even a cherished aspect of one's life that leads to sin. The entire verse is structured as a powerful **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the desirability of "entering into life maimed" with the horror of "going into hell with two hands." This sharp opposition highlights the immense value of eternal life and the dire consequences of unaddressed sin. Finally, the vivid imagery of "the fire that never shall be quenched" uses **Metaphor** to describe the eternal judgment, drawing on the familiar and terrifying image of Gehenna to evoke a sense of unceasing torment and destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:43 profoundly underscores the New Testament's teaching on the gravity of sin and the necessity of radical commitment to God. It aligns with the broader biblical principle that true discipleship often demands painful separation from anything that competes with God's sovereignty in one's life or leads to spiritual compromise. The passage reveals Jesus' deep concern for the eternal destiny of individuals, emphasizing that the temporary pain of self-denial is utterly insignificant compared to the eternal suffering of Gehenna. This teaching is not about earning salvation through works, but about demonstrating the fruit of a transformed heart that values God and eternal life above all else, ruthlessly purging anything that hinders that relationship. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of divine judgment and the urgent call to repentance and holiness.

* [Matthew 5:29-30](/matthew/5-29-30 "Matthew 5:29-30 - Jesus' Teaching on Adultery and Stumbling")
* [Matthew 18:8-9](/matthew/18-8-9 "Matthew 18:8-9 - Warnings Against Stumbling")
* [Luke 12:4-5](/luke/12-4-5 "Luke 12:4-5 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in Mark 9:43 are not a call to physical self-harm, but a profound spiritual challenge. They demand a ruthless self-examination, compelling us to identify and decisively "cut off" anything in our lives—whether it be a habit, a relationship, an attitude, a desire, or even a seemingly innocent pleasure—that consistently causes us to stumble into sin and jeopardize our relationship with God. This "cutting off" will often be painful, requiring sacrifice, discipline, and a willingness to forgo what might feel comfortable or natural. It means prioritizing spiritual health and eternal destiny above all earthly comforts or attachments. The immeasurable value of eternal life with God far outweighs any temporary discomfort or loss experienced in the pursuit of holiness. This verse calls us to radical obedience, reminding us that lukewarm discipleship is insufficient and that true devotion to Christ requires a decisive break with anything that hinders our walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hands," "feet," or "eyes" in my life (habits, relationships, desires, activities) are causing me to stumble into sin?**
* **What specific, decisive actions am I willing to take to "cut off" these stumbling blocks, even if it is painful or difficult?**
* **How does the reality of "life" versus "hell" motivate my pursuit of holiness and my willingness to make sacrifices?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to exercise more radical obedience and self-denial for the sake of my spiritual well-being?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus literally mean we should cut off our hands or pluck out our eyes?**

Answer: No, Jesus is using **hyperbole**, a literary device involving extreme exaggeration for emphasis. His intention is not to advocate for physical self-mutilation, but to underscore the absolute seriousness of sin and the radical, uncompromising measures required to deal with anything that causes one to stumble spiritually. The physical imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual "surgery" necessary to remove sin from one's life, no matter how painful or costly that process may be. The point is the internal transformation and decisive action against sin, not external injury.

**What does "hell" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "hell" in [Mark 9:43](/mark/9-43 "Mark 9:43 - Warning Against Stumbling") is _géenna_ (Gehenna). This term refers to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem that historically served as a place of pagan child sacrifice and later became a burning rubbish dump. Jesus used this well-known, abhorrent location as a metaphor for the place or state of eternal punishment and destruction for the wicked. It symbolizes a place of unceasing torment and separation from God, characterized by "unquenchable fire" and "a worm that does not die" ([Mark 9:48](/mark/9-48 "Mark 9:48 - The Unquenchable Fire")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 9:43 presents a stark warning about the consequences of sin, it ultimately points to Christ as the only means of escape from Gehenna and the pathway to eternal life. Jesus, through His own radical obedience and ultimate sacrifice, perfectly fulfilled the demand for a life utterly devoted to God, free from the "stumbling blocks" of sin. He did not merely teach about cutting off sin; He became the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "life" Jesus speaks of entering is found exclusively in Him, for He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). Our ability to "cut off" sin is not by our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit, made available through our union with Christ, who conquered sin and death on the cross ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Crucified with Christ")). Thus, this verse, while a call to personal holiness, finds its ultimate hope and empowerment in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the "unquenchable fire" and grants us eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:29

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 5:30

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Matthew 18:8

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

Matthew 18:9

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

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.

Hebrews 12:1

¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,