Matthew 18:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1161} if {G1487} thy {G4675} hand {G5495} or {G2228} thy {G4675} foot {G4228} offend thee {G4624}, cut {G1581} them {G846} off {G1581}, and {G2532} cast {G906} them from {G575} thee {G4571}{G4675}: it is {G2076} better {G2570} for thee {G4671} to enter into {G1525}{G1519} life {G2222} halt {G5560} or {G2228} maimed {G2948}, rather than {G2228} having {G2192} two {G1417} hands {G5495} or {G2228} two {G1417} feet {G4228} to be cast {G906} into {G1519} everlasting {G166} fire {G4442}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So if your hand or foot becomes a snare for you, cut it off and throw it away! Better that you should be maimed or crippled and obtain eternal life than keep both hands or both feet and be thrown into everlasting fire!

Berean Standard Bible

If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire.

American Standard Version

And if thy hand or thy foot causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed or halt, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:8 delivers a powerful, hyperbolic warning from Jesus regarding the radical measures necessary to avoid sin and its eternal consequences. Employing vivid imagery of self-mutilation, Jesus emphasizes that no earthly attachment, comfort, or physical integrity is worth sacrificing one's eternal salvation. The passage underscores the immense value of spiritual purity and eternal life, urging believers to decisively eliminate any source of temptation or sin that threatens their spiritual well-being, rather than face the dire judgment of "everlasting fire."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' discourse on humility and the nature of the kingdom of heaven, specifically following His warning against causing "little ones" to stumble in [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning Against Causing Others to Stumble"). While [Matthew 18:6-7](/matthew/18-6-7 "Matthew 18:6-7 - Woe to Those Who Cause Stumbling") focuses on the responsibility of not leading others into sin, [Matthew 18:8-9](/matthew/18-8-9 "Matthew 18:8-9 - Radical Measures Against Personal Sin") shifts the focus to individual accountability and the severity of personal sin. This passage echoes similar teachings found in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount") ([Matthew 5:29-30](/matthew/5-29-30 "Matthew 5:29-30 - On Lust and Stumbling")) and [Mark 9:43-48](/mark/9-43-48 "Mark 9:43-48 - Warnings Against Stumbling"), indicating its importance in Jesus' ethical instruction. The immediate context of chapter 18 emphasizes the care for the vulnerable, the seriousness of sin, and the importance of forgiveness within the community of believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish, would have been familiar with strong, vivid imagery and hyperbolic language common in rabbinic teaching and prophetic literature. The concept of "Gehenna" (often translated as "hell" or "everlasting fire" in the New Testament) was a well-understood term referring to the valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem, where child sacrifices were once offered and later became a place for burning refuse, symbolizing a place of utter destruction and divine judgment. While physical mutilation was not advocated by Jewish law, the emphasis on radical obedience and the seriousness of sin leading to divine judgment was deeply ingrained. The "hand" and "foot" would have been understood as symbols of action and direction, respectively, making the metaphor powerfully relatable to everyday life and conduct.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **radical discipleship**, demanding absolute commitment and willingness to sacrifice anything that hinders one's pursuit of God's kingdom, as also seen in Jesus' call to [take up one's cross](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross"). Secondly, it underscores the **immense value of eternal life** and the dire **consequences of unchecked sin**, contrasting temporary earthly attachments with eternal destiny, a theme prevalent throughout Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of God and final judgment ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Sheep and the Goats")). Finally, it emphasizes the **personal responsibility** to identify and decisively deal with "stumbling blocks" in one's own life, whether they are actions, relationships, or desires that lead away from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **offend thee (Greek, _skandalízō_):** From G4624. This word literally means "to cause to stumble," "to entice to sin," or "to be a snare." In this context, it does not mean merely to annoy or displease, but to act as a spiritual trap or a source of temptation that leads one into sin, apostasy, or spiritual ruin. It implies a profound moral or spiritual falling away.
* **cut them off (Greek, _ekkóptō_):** From G1581. This verb means "to exscind," "to cut down," "to cut off," or "to hew down." Figuratively, it means "to frustrate" or "to hinder." Here, it conveys the necessity of a decisive, radical, and immediate severance from anything that causes one to stumble, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the action required.
* **everlasting (Greek, _aiṓnios_):** From G166. Derived from "aion" (age), this adjective denotes "perpetual," "eternal," or "for ever." When used in conjunction with "fire," it describes a state of punishment that is unending and permanent, highlighting the definitive and irreversible nature of the judgment for those who reject God's way.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee":** This clause introduces the premise for Jesus' radical instruction. The "hand" symbolizes actions, work, or what one does, while the "foot" represents one's path, direction, or where one goes. The phrase "offend thee" (G4624, _skandalízō_) means if these aspects of one's life cause oneself to stumble into sin or lead to spiritual ruin. Jesus is pointing to the internal sources of temptation or the external activities that become a snare.
* **"cut them off, and cast [them] from thee":** This is the hyperbolic command. "Cut them off" (G1581, _ekkóptō_) and "cast them from thee" (G906, _bállō_ + G575, _apó_) signify a radical, decisive, and complete separation from anything that serves as a spiritual stumbling block. It's a call for extreme measures to eradicate sin's influence, not literal self-mutilation.
* **"it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed":** This clause presents the first part of the stark contrast. "Life" (G2222, _zōḗ_) refers to eternal life, entrance into God's kingdom. "Halt" (G5560, _chōlós_) and "maimed" (G2948, _kyllós_) refer to being crippled or disabled. The meaning is that even with extreme personal sacrifice—symbolically losing what is valuable or functional—it is infinitely preferable to achieve eternal salvation.
* **"rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire":** This is the second part of the contrast, emphasizing the dire alternative. "Having two hands or two feet" represents retaining all earthly comforts, abilities, or sinful attachments. "To be cast into" (G906, _bállō_ + G1519, _eis_) signifies a definitive judgment. "Everlasting fire" (G166, _aiṓnios_ + G4442, _pŷr_) refers to eternal punishment or judgment, often associated with Gehenna, a place of ultimate destruction and separation from God. The choice is between radical self-denial for eternal life or retaining sin and facing eternal condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:8 is rich in literary devices, primarily employing **Hyperbole** to convey its profound message. Jesus uses extreme, exaggerated imagery—cutting off a hand or foot—not to be taken literally, but to shock His audience into recognizing the absolute seriousness of dealing with sin. This overstatement serves to emphasize the radical commitment required for spiritual purity. Closely related is **Metaphor**, where the "hand" and "foot" serve as symbolic representations of actions, behaviors, or influences that lead one into sin. They are not literal body parts to be removed, but aspects of one's life that must be decisively severed if they cause spiritual harm. Finally, the verse employs stark **Contrast** between two outcomes: entering into eternal "life" (even in a state of symbolic "maiming") versus being "cast into everlasting fire" while retaining all earthly attachments. This contrast highlights the immense value of eternal salvation over any temporary earthly comfort or sinful pleasure, underscoring the critical choice presented to the listener.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully articulates the biblical truth that the pursuit of holiness and eternal life demands radical commitment and decisive action against sin. It underscores the infinite value of the soul over any temporal gain or comfort, aligning with the broader biblical teaching that the cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is immeasurable. The severity of the imagery reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and its eternal consequences, emphasizing that compromise with sin can lead to spiritual ruin. It calls believers to a deep self-examination, identifying and surgically removing anything that hinders their walk with God, prioritizing spiritual integrity above all else.

* [Matthew 5:29-30](/matthew/5-29-30 "Matthew 5:29-30 - Jesus' Teaching on Lust and Stumbling")
* [Mark 9:43-48](/mark/9-43-48 "Mark 9:43-48 - Parallel Teaching on Stumbling Blocks")
* [Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Cost of Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in Matthew 18:8 are a profound call to spiritual integrity and radical self-discipline. They challenge us to honestly assess our lives and identify any "hands" or "feet"—any habits, relationships, desires, or activities—that consistently lead us into sin or draw us away from God. This is not a call to self-mutilation, but to spiritual surgery, demanding a willingness to make painful but necessary cuts for the sake of our eternal well-being. It requires a sober recognition that the temporary pleasure or comfort offered by sin is infinitely less valuable than the eternal life offered by God. True discipleship involves a ruthless commitment to holiness, where nothing, no matter how cherished or seemingly indispensable, is allowed to jeopardize our relationship with Christ and our eternal destiny. This means setting firm boundaries, ending harmful associations, or even giving up legitimate activities if they prove to be consistent stumbling blocks.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hand" or "foot" in my life, symbolizing an action or path, consistently causes me to stumble into sin or draws me away from God?**
* **Am I willing to take radical, decisive action to "cut off" or "cast away" these sources of temptation, even if it feels painful or costly?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a prioritization of eternal life over temporary comfort or worldly attachments?**
* **What specific, practical steps can I take this week to address a known area of sin or temptation in my life?**

### FAQ

**Is Jesus literally advocating for self-mutilation in this verse?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not advocating for literal self-mutilation. The language used in [Matthew 18:8](/matthew/18-8 "Matthew 18:8 - Radical Measures Against Sin") is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, a literary device involving extreme exaggeration for emphasis. Just as He did not literally mean for someone to pluck out an eye in [Matthew 5:29](/matthew/5-29 "Matthew 5:29 - On Lust"), here He uses the shocking imagery of cutting off a hand or foot to underscore the absolute seriousness and radical measures required to deal with sin. The core message is about the spiritual surgery necessary to remove anything that causes one to stumble into sin and jeopardize their eternal salvation.

**What does "offend thee" mean in this context?**

Answer: The King James Version's "offend thee" (from the Greek _skandalízō_) does not mean merely to annoy or displease someone. In this biblical context, it carries a much stronger meaning: "to cause to stumble," "to entice to sin," or "to be a snare." It refers to anything—an action, a relationship, a habit, or even a thought—that acts as a spiritual trap, leading a person into sin, apostasy, or spiritual ruin. Jesus is urging His followers to identify and eliminate any such "stumbling block" in their own lives.

**What is "everlasting fire" and why is it mentioned?**

Answer: "Everlasting fire" (Greek: _aiṓnios pŷr_) refers to eternal punishment or judgment. This phrase is often associated with "Gehenna," the valley of Hinnom, which became a symbol of divine judgment and destruction. It is mentioned to highlight the ultimate and permanent consequence of unrepentant sin and rejection of God's way. Jesus uses this stark imagery to emphasize the immense value of eternal life in God's presence and the dire, irreversible alternative of eternal separation and judgment, serving as a powerful deterrent and a call to radical repentance and holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:8, with its stark warning against personal sin and its eternal consequences, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse commands radical self-severance from sin, it is Christ who provides the power and means to achieve this. He did not merely teach about the cost of sin; He bore that cost Himself on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin, as declared by John the Baptist: "[Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")" Through His atoning death, Christ provides forgiveness for past sins and, crucially, the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to "cut off" the sources of sin in their lives. The "life" that Jesus refers to as being better to enter, even "halt or maimed," is the eternal life found only in Him, for He is "[the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")". His resurrection from the dead demonstrates His victory over sin and death, offering a new life of holiness and freedom from sin's dominion to all who believe. Therefore, the radical call to deal with sin is not a legalistic burden but an invitation to participate in the transformative power of Christ, who enables us to live a life pleasing to God and inherit the glorious "[eternal life](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")" He secured.

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.

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,

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Romans 13:12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Luke 18:22

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Luke 18:23

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.