Matthew 5:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} if {G1487} thy {G4675} right {G1188} eye {G3788} offend {G4624} thee {G4571}, pluck {G1807} it {G846} out {G1807}, and {G2532} cast {G906} it from {G575} thee {G4675}: for {G1063} it is profitable {G4851} for thee {G4671} that {G2443} one {G1520} of thy {G4675} members {G3196} should perish {G622}, and {G2532} not {G3361} that thy {G4675} whole {G3650} body {G4983} should be cast {G906} into {G1519} hell {G1067}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If your right eye makes you sin, gouge it out and throw it away! Better that you should lose one part of you than have your whole body thrown into Gei-Hinnom.

Berean Standard Bible

If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:29 employs vivid hyperbole to underscore the absolute necessity of radical self-denial and decisive action against anything that leads to sin. He asserts that it is far better to make painful sacrifices to remove sources of temptation, even if they seem as integral as an eye or a hand, than to allow sin to lead one's entire being into eternal destruction in hell. This passage emphasizes the gravity of sin and the urgent call for internal purity over mere external conformity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' transformative [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), specifically within His exposition on the true meaning of the Law, contrasting external obedience with internal righteousness. Following His radical reinterpretation of the Mosaic Law regarding anger and murder in [Matthew 5:21-26](/matthew/5-21-26 "Matthew 5:21-26 - Anger and Reconciliation"), Jesus turns His attention to the commandment against adultery. In [Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27-28 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Lust and Adultery"), He declares that merely looking at a woman with lustful intent constitutes adultery in the heart. [Matthew 5:29](/matthew/5-29 "Matthew 5:29 - Radical Purity") and the subsequent [Matthew 5:30](/matthew/5-30 "Matthew 5:30 - Radical Purity of the Hand") serve as a stark, hyperbolic extension of this principle, illustrating the extreme measures required to eradicate the root causes of sin, particularly those related to lust, from one's life. This passage immediately precedes Jesus' teaching on divorce in [Matthew 5:31-32](/matthew/5-31-32 "Matthew 5:31-32 - Teaching on Divorce"), further cementing its place within a broader discourse on sexual ethics and the sanctity of marriage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, while valuing adherence to the Mosaic Law, often focused on outward compliance rather than inward disposition. The scribes and Pharisees, in particular, emphasized external acts of righteousness. Jesus' teaching here directly challenges this prevailing legalistic mindset by shifting the focus from actions alone to the intentions and desires of the heart. The concept of "hell" (Greek: _Gehenna_) would have been understood by His Jewish audience as a reference to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem where child sacrifices were once offered to Molech, and later became a place for burning refuse. It was a potent symbol of utter destruction and divine judgment, making Jesus' warning profoundly impactful. The hyperbolic language, while shocking, was a common rhetorical device in ancient Near Eastern cultures to convey extreme importance and urgency, not to be taken literally as a command for self-mutilation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jesus' teaching. It underscores the theme of **Radical Discipleship**, demanding a level of commitment that transcends superficial obedience and requires a willingness to sacrifice anything that hinders one's relationship with God or leads to sin. It highlights the **Seriousness of Sin**, emphasizing that sin is not merely an external act but originates in the heart ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Evil Thoughts from the Heart")), and that even seemingly small internal transgressions can have grave, eternal consequences. The explicit mention of "hell" reinforces the **Severity of Divine Judgment** and the eternal stakes involved in one's moral choices. Finally, it addresses the crucial need for **Vigilance Against Temptation**, calling believers to proactively identify and eliminate sources of spiritual stumbling, even if they are deeply ingrained or highly valued, to safeguard their eternal destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** From G4624, meaning "to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)." In this context, it signifies anything that causes one to stumble morally or spiritually, leading them into sin. It's not about causing offense to another person, but about being a snare or a trap to oneself, leading to moral failure.
* **profitable (Greek, _symphérō'_):** From G4851, meaning "to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage." Here, it conveys the idea of what is truly advantageous or beneficial in the long run, contrasting temporary comfort or pleasure with eternal well-being. It underscores the ultimate value of spiritual purity over physical integrity.
* **hell (Greek, _géenna'_):** From G1067, of Hebrew origin (גַּיְא and הִנֹּם), meaning "valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment." This term refers to a place of ultimate, eternal destruction and separation from God, emphasizing the dire consequences of unrepented sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thy right eye offend thee":** This opening clause introduces the hypothetical situation. The "right eye" is singled out as a symbol of something precious, powerful, and often a primary source of temptation, especially in the context of lust (following [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust and Adultery")). The word "offend" (G4624, _skandalízō_) signifies causing one to stumble or fall into sin. Jesus is identifying a direct connection between an external faculty (the eye) and an internal moral failing (lust).
* **"pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee":** This is the hyperbolic command. "Pluck it out" (G1807, _exairéō_) and "cast it" (G906, _bállō_) are violent, decisive actions, emphasizing the extreme measures required. This is not a literal instruction for self-mutilation, but a vivid metaphor for ruthlessly severing ties with anything, no matter how cherished or seemingly indispensable, that consistently leads one into sin. The emphasis is on radical separation from the source of temptation.
* **"for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell":** This concluding clause provides the rationale for the radical action. "Profitable" (G4851, _symphérō_) highlights the ultimate spiritual advantage. The contrast is stark: the "perishing" (G622, _apóllymi_) of a single "member" (G3196, _mélos_) – representing a source of sin – is infinitely preferable to the "whole body" (G3650, _hólos_ G4983, _sōma_) being "cast into hell" (G906, _bállō_ G1067, _géenna_). This underscores the eternal consequences of unaddressed sin and the supreme value of one's eternal soul over any earthly attachment or physical comfort.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs **Hyperbole** as the primary literary device in this verse. His command to "pluck out" an eye or "cut off" a hand is a deliberate and extreme exaggeration, not meant to be taken literally, but to shock His audience and convey the absolute seriousness and urgency of dealing with sin at its root. This vivid imagery serves to underscore the **Gravity** of temptation and the **Radical Nature** of the spiritual discipline required to avoid eternal condemnation. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy**, where the "eye" and "hand" stand in for the faculties and actions that lead to sin, rather than the physical body parts themselves. The stark **Contrast** between the perishing of a single member and the casting of the whole body into hell further amplifies the critical choice facing individuals, highlighting the immense disparity between temporary sacrifice and eternal consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly shapes Christian theology regarding the nature of sin, discipleship, and eternal judgment. It reveals that sin is not merely an external act but originates in the heart and mind, requiring radical internal surgery to excise its roots. Jesus' teaching elevates the standard of righteousness beyond mere legalistic compliance to a profound purity of thought and intention, demonstrating that true holiness demands a willingness to sacrifice anything that compromises one's spiritual integrity. The stark warning about "hell" underscores the reality of eternal consequences for unrepented sin, emphasizing God's justice alongside His mercy. This verse calls believers to a lifelong pursuit of holiness, recognizing the high stakes involved in their moral choices.

* [Matthew 18:8-9](/matthew/18-8-9 "Matthew 18:8-9 - Stumbling Blocks and Radical Action")
* [Mark 9:43-47](/mark/9-43-47 "Mark 9:43-47 - Warnings Against Stumbling")
* [Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Matthew 5:29 serves as a potent and challenging call to radical self-examination and decisive action against sin. It compels us to move beyond superficial morality and confront the deep-seated desires and external influences that lead us astray. This verse is not an endorsement of self-harm, but a powerful metaphor for the spiritual discipline required to identify and ruthlessly eliminate "stumbling blocks" in our lives. This might involve setting strict boundaries on media consumption, severing unhealthy relationships, changing career paths, or developing new habits that foster spiritual growth rather than compromise. The temporary discomfort or perceived loss of "plucking out" a sinful habit or influence is infinitely preferable to the eternal consequences of allowing sin to take root and lead us away from God. It encourages a proactive and vigilant pursuit of holiness, prioritizing our eternal well-being above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "eyes" or "hands" in my life (habits, relationships, sources of entertainment, thought patterns) consistently lead me into sin or temptation?**
* **What radical, decisive steps am I willing to take to "pluck out" or "cut off" these sources of spiritual stumbling?**
* **How does the seriousness of eternal consequences motivate my pursuit of holiness and purity?**
* **In what areas of my life am I prioritizing temporary comfort or pleasure over eternal spiritual health?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus literally command self-mutilation in this verse?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not literally commanding physical self-mutilation. The language used in [Matthew 5:29](/matthew/5-29 "Matthew 5:29 - Radical Purity") and its parallel in [Matthew 5:30](/matthew/5-30 "Matthew 5:30 - Radical Purity of the Hand") is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, a rhetorical device involving extreme exaggeration for emphasis. Jesus uses this vivid imagery to impress upon His listeners the absolute seriousness of sin and the radical measures required to avoid it. The "eye" and "hand" represent anything, no matter how valuable or integral to one's life, that causes one to stumble into sin. The command to "pluck it out" or "cut it off" metaphorically calls for decisive, even painful, action to eliminate sources of temptation and sin from one's life, prioritizing spiritual purity and eternal life over any earthly attachment or comfort. The point is the internal transformation and ruthless self-discipline necessary to live a life of holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 5:29 issues a stark command for radical self-denial to avoid sin and its eternal consequences, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this radical purity, living a sinless life and never needing to "pluck out" a metaphorical eye or hand because His heart was always perfectly aligned with God's will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). More profoundly, Christ is the ultimate "member" that was "cut off" for the sake of the "whole body" of humanity. His sacrificial death on the cross, where He was "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Suffering Servant")), served as the decisive act that dealt with the root problem of sin for all who believe. He bore the full wrath of God, the "hell" that humanity deserved, so that those who trust in Him would not perish but have everlasting life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Thus, while we are called to personal vigilance against sin, our salvation and ultimate deliverance from hell are not achieved by our own "plucking out" but by Christ's decisive and perfect sacrifice, which enables us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to live lives increasingly marked by the purity He commanded ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")).

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

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:

Mark 9:48

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

1 Peter 4:1

¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.