Mark 9:47

KJV

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} thine {G4675} eye {G3788} offend {G4624} thee {G4571}, pluck {G1544} it {G846} out {G1544}: it is {G2076} better {G2570} for thee {G4671} to enter {G1525} into {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} with one eye {G3442}, than {G2228} having {G2192} two {G1417} eyes {G3788} to be cast {G906} into {G1519} hell {G1067} fire {G4442}:

Complete Jewish Bible

And if your eye makes you sin, pluck it out! Better that you should be one-eyed but enter the Kingdom of God, rather than keep both eyes and be thrown into Gei-Hinnom,

Berean Standard Bible

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,

American Standard Version

And if thine eye cause thee to stumble, cast it out: it is good for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:47 presents Jesus' stark and hyperbolic instruction on the absolute necessity of radical self-denial and decisive action against sin to secure eternal salvation. Through vivid imagery, Jesus emphasizes that no earthly attachment or personal comfort is worth sacrificing one's spiritual integrity and ultimate entry into the Kingdom of God, warning of the dire consequences of unaddressed sin leading to eternal judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a broader discourse by Jesus to His disciples concerning humility, the dangers of causing others to stumble, and the severity of sin. It immediately follows Jesus' warnings in [Mark 9:42](/mark/9-42 "Mark 9:42 - Warning Against Stumbling Blocks") about harming "little ones" and is a direct continuation of the "radical surgery" metaphor introduced in [Mark 9:43-46](/mark/9-43-46 "Mark 9:43-46 - Cutting Off Offending Limbs"). Jesus has just taught them about true greatness being found in humble service (Mark 9:33-37) and has addressed their narrow-mindedness regarding others who cast out demons in His name (Mark 9:38-41). The progression of thought moves from not hindering others' faith to rigorously examining one's own life for anything that might impede spiritual progress or lead to eternal ruin. The repetition of the "better to enter... than be cast" structure underscores the gravity and consistency of His message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish disciples, would have been familiar with the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), a literal valley outside Jerusalem. Historically, it was a place associated with the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice to the god Molech (e.g., [2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah Defiles Topheth")). By Jesus' time, it had become a notorious refuse dump where fires burned continuously to consume waste and carcasses, often accompanied by the stench of decay and the presence of worms. This made Gehenna a potent and terrifying symbol of defilement, destruction, and divine judgment. The imagery of "plucking out" an eye or cutting off a limb, while shocking, would have immediately conveyed the idea of extreme, life-saving measures, resonating with a culture that understood the value of preserving life at any cost.

* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Radical Discipleship**, demanding an uncompromising commitment to God's will, even if it entails severe personal sacrifice, echoing Jesus' call to [take up one's cross](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - Take Up Your Cross"). Another prominent theme is the **Seriousness of Sin**, highlighting its destructive power and eternal consequences. Jesus unequivocally states that sin, if unaddressed, leads to eternal separation from God, emphasizing that no temporal gain or comfort can justify such a risk. Finally, the stark **Contrast Between the Kingdom of God and Hell** underscores the infinite value of salvation and eternal life with God versus the terrifying reality of eternal judgment. This contrast serves as a profound motivation for repentance and diligent pursuit of holiness, aligning with the urgency of the Gospel message found throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "Mark 1 - The Beginning of the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** From G4624, this word means "to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)." It refers to anything that acts as a "stumbling block" or a snare, causing one to fall into sin, moral failure, or spiritual compromise. It is not merely a minor annoyance but something that leads to a serious spiritual lapse.
* **Pluck it out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From G1544, this verb means "to eject (literally or figuratively); to bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth (out), send away (forth, out)." In this context, it signifies a forceful, decisive, and complete removal or expulsion. It conveys the idea of a radical, no-holds-barred action to eliminate the source of offense.
* **Hell (Greek, _géenna'_):** From G1067, this term is of Hebrew origin (גַּיְא and הִנֹּם), referring to the "valley of (the son of) Hinnom." It was a real valley outside Jerusalem, which became a symbol of utter destruction and defilement. Figuratively, it is used as a name for the place or state of everlasting punishment. It evokes imagery of consuming fire and decay, signifying a final, irreversible judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thine eye offend thee":** This clause sets up a hypothetical condition, using a common and vital body part—the eye—as a metaphor for anything highly valued or seemingly indispensable that, in reality, causes one to stumble into sin. The "offending" is not the eye's fault but how it is used or what it leads one to desire or do that results in spiritual harm.
* **"pluck it out":** This is the shocking, hyperbolic command for radical action. It is not a literal instruction for self-mutilation but a powerful metaphor demanding a ruthless, decisive, and immediate severance from anything, no matter how cherished or seemingly essential, that leads to sin or hinders one's spiritual walk.
* **"it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye":** This phrase presents the first side of a stark contrast, emphasizing the immense, incomparable value of eternal salvation. The "one eye" signifies the perceived loss or sacrifice made in this life to achieve that ultimate spiritual gain. It suggests that even a diminished earthly existence is preferable if it leads to eternal life with God.
* **"than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire":** This completes the contrast, depicting the terrifying alternative. "Having two eyes" represents holding onto everything that causes one to stumble and thus facing the full, unmitigated consequence of sin. "To be cast into hell fire" (Gehenna) vividly portrays the horrifying reality of eternal judgment, a place of complete destruction and suffering, which is the ultimate outcome of unrepented sin.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:47 is rich in literary devices, primarily **Hyperbole**, where Jesus uses extreme exaggeration ("pluck it out") not to be taken literally, but to emphasize the profound seriousness and radical nature of the action required against sin. This vivid imagery also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, where the "eye" (and previously, hand and foot) represents anything that leads one to sin, underscoring that the source of temptation must be ruthlessly removed. The verse employs striking **Contrast** by juxtaposing "entering into the kingdom of God" with "being cast into hell fire," highlighting the absolute difference in eternal destinies and the infinite stakes involved. Furthermore, the use of **Imagery**—the plucking out of an eye and the terrifying "hell fire" (Gehenna)—creates a visceral and unforgettable impression, ensuring the message's impact and urgency are deeply felt by the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on holiness and the eternal consequences of sin. It teaches that the pursuit of God's Kingdom demands a radical commitment that transcends all earthly attachments and comforts. The absolute value of eternal life with God far outweighs any temporary pleasure or perceived loss incurred by severing ties with sin. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, calling believers to a life of purity and unwavering devotion, recognizing that compromise with sin jeopardizes one's ultimate spiritual destiny. The warning of "hell fire" serves as a severe reminder of God's righteous judgment against sin and the reality of eternal separation for those who reject His path.

* [Matthew 5:29](/matthew/5-29 "Matthew 5:29 - If Your Eye Causes You to Sin")
* [Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in Mark 9:47 are not a call to self-mutilation but a piercing challenge to radical self-examination and decisive action against sin. This passage compels us to identify those "eyes," "hands," or "feet" in our lives—whether they be habits, relationships, desires, media consumption, or even thought patterns—that consistently lead us into sin or hinder our spiritual growth. The principle is to prioritize spiritual health and eternal salvation above all else, being willing to make painful sacrifices to maintain a pure heart and an unhindered walk with God. It urges a proactive and ruthless approach to holiness, recognizing that the cost of indulging in sin is infinitely greater than the cost of self-denial. True discipleship demands a willingness to sever ties with anything that compromises our relationship with God, understanding that our ultimate goal is to enter into His glorious Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "eye" (or hand or foot) in my life might be causing me to stumble or sin?**
* **What radical steps am I willing to take to remove this "offense" from my life?**
* **How does the fear of eternal judgment motivate my pursuit of holiness?**
* **In what ways am I prioritizing earthly comforts or relationships over my eternal destiny?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus literally mean we should pluck out our eyes or cut off our limbs?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not advocating for literal self-mutilation. This is a classic example of **hyperbole**, a literary device where extreme exaggeration is used for emphasis. The vivid imagery of plucking out an eye or cutting off a limb is intended to shock the listeners and convey the absolute seriousness and radical nature of dealing with sin. Just as one would undergo a painful surgery to save their physical life, Jesus insists that we must take equally drastic and decisive measures to eliminate anything in our lives that causes us to stumble spiritually and jeopardizes our eternal salvation. The focus is on the spiritual principle of ruthless self-denial and unwavering commitment to holiness, not on physical harm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 9:47 powerfully calls for radical self-denial in the face of sin, its ultimate fulfillment and the means to achieve such holiness are found in Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is incapable of perfectly "plucking out" every offending thing from its life, as the root of sin lies deep within the heart ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")). Jesus, however, perfectly embodied this radical obedience, living a life utterly free from sin and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. He is the one who took the "offense" of our sin upon Himself, enduring the ultimate separation so that we might be reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Through His atoning work on the cross, He provides the power to overcome sin and the means to enter the Kingdom of God, not by our own imperfect efforts, but by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). The "better" way to enter the Kingdom is through repentance and faith in Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), and whose Spirit empowers believers to put to death the deeds of the flesh ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")). Thus, the call to radical holiness is fulfilled in Christ and made possible by His indwelling Spirit, enabling us to live lives pleasing to God and secure our eternal inheritance.

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 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.

Mark 9:43

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:

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.

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

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.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,