Matthew 5:30

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1487} thy {G4675} right {G1188} hand {G5495} offend {G4624} thee {G4571}, cut {G1581} it {G846} off {G1581}, 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

And if your right hand makes you sin, cut it off 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

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.

American Standard Version

And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 5:30, Jesus extends His teaching on the radical purity required of His followers, emphasizing that any part of one's life, even something as intimate and essential as a "right hand," must be ruthlessly severed if it causes spiritual stumbling. This hyperbolic instruction underscores the infinite value of spiritual integrity and eternal salvation over any earthly attachment or pleasure, highlighting the severe consequences of unaddressed sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate continuation of Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:29](/matthew/5-29 "Matthew 5:29 - Plucking out the Eye") regarding the eye. Both verses employ vivid, hyperbolic language to stress the absolute necessity of radical action against anything that leads to sin. They fall within the broader discourse on adultery (beginning in [Matthew 5:27](/matthew/5-27 "Matthew 5:27 - Jesus on Adultery")), where Jesus redefines righteousness not merely as outward adherence to the Law, but as an internal purity of heart and thought. This section, part of the monumental [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Beyond"), consistently elevates the standard of God's Law beyond external performance to the deepest intentions of the heart, setting the stage for a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "hell" (Greek: _Gehenna_) would have been particularly potent for Jesus' Jewish audience. [Gehenna](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Valley of Hinnom") refers to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem that had a dark history as a place of child sacrifice (e.g., [2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah Defiles Topheth")). By Jesus' time, it had become a refuse dump where fires constantly burned, symbolizing defilement, destruction, and divine judgment. This imagery provided a stark, tangible metaphor for eternal punishment. Furthermore, hyperbole, or intentional exaggeration for rhetorical effect, was a common teaching method in the ancient Near East, including among Jewish rabbis. Jesus' listeners would have understood that He was not advocating for literal self-mutilation, but rather for a spiritual and moral amputation of anything that jeopardizes one's eternal destiny.
* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes to several overarching themes in the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' teaching. First, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Radical Self-Discipline**, asserting that true discipleship demands uncompromising measures against sin, even if it means sacrificing what is deeply ingrained or seemingly beneficial. Second, it underscores the **Priority of Spiritual Purity and Eternal Life**, emphasizing that avoiding eternal judgment is paramount, far outweighing any earthly comfort, pleasure, or attachment. Third, it highlights the **Seriousness of Sin**, revealing that even internal desires or seemingly minor actions, if indulged, can lead to devastating eternal consequences. Finally, it reinforces Jesus' consistent call for **Internal Righteousness**, demonstrating that genuine transformation begins in the heart and mind, not merely with outward conformity, as seen throughout [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** From G4624, this term means "to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)." In this context, it signifies anything that causes a spiritual stumbling block, leading one away from God's path into transgression. It highlights the active role of an external or internal factor in leading one to sin.
* **Cut it off (Greek, _ekkóptō'_):** From G1581, meaning "to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate." This word emphasizes a decisive, forceful, and complete removal. It's not about merely reducing exposure or managing temptation, but about a radical, permanent severing of the source of sin, even if it feels like a painful amputation.
* **Hell (Greek, _géenna'_):** From G1067, of Hebrew origin, referring to the "valley of (the son of) Hinnom." Figuratively, it is "a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment." This term grounds Jesus' warning in a concrete, terrifying reality for His audience, representing the ultimate, eternal consequence of unrepentant sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thy right hand offend thee,"**: This clause introduces the condition for the radical action. The "right hand" is a symbol of strength, capability, and action, representing a person's most effective means of interaction with the world. If this powerful and essential part of one's life becomes a source of temptation or leads one into sin (to "offend" or cause to stumble), then drastic measures are required.
* **"cut it off, and cast [it] from thee:"**: This is the hyperbolic command, calling for an immediate, decisive, and complete separation from whatever causes spiritual harm. The imagery of "cutting off" and "casting away" conveys the urgency and finality of the necessary action, emphasizing that no attachment, however valuable it seems, should take precedence over spiritual purity.
* **"for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish,"**: This clause provides the rationale for the radical command. The term "profitable" (G4851, _symphérō_) highlights the immense spiritual advantage of sacrificing a part to save the whole. It is a pragmatic, yet profound, spiritual calculus: a temporary loss or pain is infinitely preferable to eternal destruction.
* **"and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell."**: This final clause states the dire alternative and the ultimate consequence of failing to take radical action against sin. The "whole body" represents the entire person, and "hell" (Gehenna) signifies eternal judgment and separation from God. The contrast between the perishing of a single "member" and the casting of the "whole body" into hell underscores the infinite stakes involved.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, the deliberate exaggeration for emphasis. The command to "cut it off" is not meant to be taken literally, as Jesus is not advocating for self-mutilation. Instead, it dramatically underscores the extreme urgency and uncompromising nature of dealing with sin. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where the "right hand" symbolizes actions, sources of income, relationships, or any aspect of life that could lead to sin. The hand, being an instrument of action, represents the practical outworking of one's will. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** presented between the "perishing" of one member and the casting of the "whole body" into hell, highlighting the dire consequences of inaction and the immense value of spiritual integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:30 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that sin is not to be trifled with, and its eternal consequences demand radical spiritual vigilance. It echoes the Old Testament's call for holiness and separation from defilement, but elevates it to an internal, heart-level purity. The verse emphasizes that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding outward acts of sin, but about ruthlessly excising the very desires, attachments, or influences that lead to sin. This teaching aligns with the broader New Testament emphasis on the seriousness of sin and the necessity of personal sanctification, where believers are called to actively "put to death" the deeds of the flesh, prioritizing their eternal destiny above all else.

* [Mark 9:43-47](/mark/9-43-47 "Mark 9:43-47 - Parallel Teaching on Offending Members"): A parallel account of Jesus' teaching, reinforcing the severity of sin and the radical measures required to avoid it, using similar hyperbolic language about eyes, hands, and feet.
* [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Mortify Your Members"): Paul explicitly calls believers to "mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry," providing a direct application of Jesus' principle to specific sinful practices.
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Lay Aside Every Weight and Sin"): This verse encourages believers to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us," emphasizing the need for decisive action against anything that hinders spiritual progress, aligning with the radical self-discipline advocated by Jesus.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in Matthew 5:30 serve as a piercing call to honest self-examination and uncompromising spiritual discipline for every follower of Christ. It challenges us to identify the "hands" and "eyes" in our lives – those relationships, habits, media consumption, aspirations, or even seemingly innocent activities – that consistently lead us into sin or compromise our spiritual walk. The application is not literal mutilation, but a spiritual amputation: a willingness to sever ties, set firm boundaries, or completely abstain from anything that acts as a stumbling block, no matter how cherished or convenient it may seem. This radical commitment flows from a deep understanding that the eternal well-being of our soul is infinitely more valuable than any temporary pleasure, comfort, or earthly gain. It requires a daily, Spirit-empowered vigilance to pursue holiness, recognizing that true freedom comes not from indulging sin, but from ruthlessly putting it to death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "right hands" or "eyes" in my life that consistently lead me into sin or compromise my spiritual integrity?**
* **Am I willing to take radical, even painful, steps to "cut off" these sources of temptation, prioritizing my spiritual purity above all else?**
* **How does the warning of "hell" motivate me to deal decisively with sin in my life, and what practical steps can I take this week?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to rely more fully on the Holy Spirit's power to enable this radical self-discipline?**

### FAQ
**Is Jesus literally commanding self-mutilation in Matthew 5:30?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not literally commanding self-mutilation. This passage, like [Matthew 5:29](/matthew/5-29 "Matthew 5:29 - Plucking out the Eye"), employs **hyperbole**, a rhetorical device of extreme exaggeration used for emphasis. Jesus' audience, accustomed to such teaching methods, would have understood that He was not advocating physical harm but rather a radical, uncompromising commitment to severing anything in one's life – whether a relationship, a habit, an ambition, or a source of income – that consistently leads to sin and jeopardizes one's eternal salvation. The severity of the imagery underscores the extreme seriousness of sin and the profound value of spiritual purity.

**What does "hell" (Gehenna) signify in this verse?**

Answer: In Matthew 5:30, "hell" translates the Greek word _Gehenna_ (G1067). This term refers to the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem with a dark history. In Old Testament times, it was a place where child sacrifices were offered to the pagan god Molech ([2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom")). By Jesus' time, it had become a refuse dump where fires constantly burned to consume waste and the bodies of criminals, making it a vivid symbol of defilement, destruction, and divine judgment. Therefore, when Jesus speaks of being "cast into hell," He is referring to the ultimate, eternal punishment and separation from God that awaits those who remain unrepentant in their sin. It is a powerful warning about the eternal consequences of moral compromise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:30, with its radical call to sever anything that causes spiritual stumbling, finds its ultimate fulfillment and enabling power in Jesus Christ. While the command highlights the extreme measures required to combat sin, it simultaneously reveals the depth of human inability to achieve such purity on our own. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this radical righteousness, never allowing any "member" or aspect of His life to offend God. More profoundly, He is the one who took the ultimate "cutting off" upon Himself, becoming sin for us on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In His crucifixion, He was "cut off" from the land of the living ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Christ Cut Off")), bearing the full weight of sin and the judgment of "hell" that we deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, He not only paid the penalty for our sin but also provided the means for us to genuinely mortify the deeds of the flesh. The Holy Spirit, given by Christ, empowers believers to "put to death the misdeeds of the body" ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")), enabling the very radical self-discipline Jesus demands. Thus, the command in Matthew 5:30 is not a call to self-salvation by human effort, but an invitation to participate in the sanctifying work of Christ, who enables us to live a life of increasing purity and freedom from sin's dominion, securing our eternal destiny with Him.

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:

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.

1 Peter 2:8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Matthew 18:6

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matthew 18:7

¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Luke 17:2

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.