King James Version

What Does Mark 9:47 Mean?

Mark 9:47 in the King James Version says “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 ha... — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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: offend: or, cause thee to offend

Mark 9:47 · KJV


Context

45

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: offend: or, cause thee to offend

46

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

47

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: offend: or, cause thee to offend

48

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

49

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus warned about eyes: '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' (ἐὰν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζῃ σε, ἔκβαλε αὐτόν· καλόν σέ ἐστιν μονόφθαλμον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἢ δύο ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν γέενναν τοῦ πυρός). Eyes represent what we see, desire, covet—the lust of the eyes (1 John 2:16). Jesus taught that lustful looking is adultery (Matthew 5:28). If visual media, internet, or physical locations trigger lust, eliminate them. Better to navigate life partially sighted than enter hell with perfect vision. The phrase 'kingdom of God' (v. 47) is synonymous with 'life' (vv. 43, 45)—eternal life in God's presence. The alternative is 'hell fire' (geennan tou pyros, γέενναν τοῦ πυρός)—eternal separation from God in conscious torment. Jesus demands radical action because stakes are eternal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture was highly visual—public baths, theaters, marketplaces provided opportunities for lustful seeing. Jesus' command to 'pluck out' the offending eye was hyperbolic but serious—whatever leads to sin must be eliminated. Blindness in ancient world meant severe disability and likely poverty. Yet Jesus said even this is preferable to hell. The eye's connection to desire appears throughout Scripture—Eve 'saw that the tree was good' (Genesis 3:6), David 'saw a woman washing herself' leading to adultery (2 Samuel 11:2), Achan 'saw... coveted... took' (Joshua 7:21). Jesus taught that external behavior flows from internal desire (Mark 7:20-23). Therefore, controlling input (what eyes see) is crucial for holiness. Digital age intensifies this challenge—pornography, social media, entertainment bombard eyes with temptation. Jesus' teaching demands radical measures.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'eyes' (visual media, locations, relationships) might need 'plucking out' to avoid sin in contemporary digital culture?
  2. How does Jesus' teaching that internal lust is adultery (Matthew 5:28) elevate moral standards beyond mere external behavior?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐὰν2 of 29

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

3 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμοὺς4 of 29

eye

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

σου5 of 29

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

σκανδαλίζῃ6 of 29

offend

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

σε7 of 29

thee

G4571

thee

ἔκβαλε8 of 29

out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν·9 of 29

it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καλόν10 of 29

better

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

σοι11 of 29

for thee

G4671

to thee

ἐστιν12 of 29

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

μονόφθαλμον13 of 29

with one eye

G3442

one-eyed

εἰσελθεῖν14 of 29

to enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς15 of 29

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν16 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείαν17 of 29

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ18 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ19 of 29

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

20 of 29

than

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

δύο21 of 29

two

G1417

"two"

ὀφθαλμοὺς22 of 29

eye

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ἔχοντα23 of 29

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

βληθῆναι24 of 29

to be cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

εἰς25 of 29

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν26 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γέενναν27 of 29

hell

G1067

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 p

τοῦ28 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πυρὸς,29 of 29

fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 9:47 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 9:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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