King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:8 Mean?

Matthew 18:8 in the King James Version says “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee : it is better for thee to enter in... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 18:8 · KJV


Context

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.

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!

8

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.

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.

10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse originates in Jesus' ministry during a pivotal period. The first-century Jewish context included Roman occupation, Pharisaic religious authority, and messianic expectations. Understanding these factors illuminates the passage's significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 40 words
Εἰ1 of 40

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 40

Wherefore

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 40
G3588

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

χεῖρας4 of 40

hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

σοῦ·5 of 40

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

6 of 40

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

7 of 40
G3588

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

πόδας8 of 40

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σοῦ·9 of 40

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

σκανδαλίζει10 of 40

offend thee

G4624

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

σε11 of 40

thee

G4571

thee

ἔκκοψον12 of 40

cut

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

αὐτὰ13 of 40

them

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

καὶ14 of 40

and

G2532

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

βληθῆναι15 of 40

cast

G906

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

ἀπὸ16 of 40

them from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

σοῦ·17 of 40

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καλόν18 of 40

better

G2570

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

σοι19 of 40

for thee

G4671

to thee

ἐστὶν20 of 40

it is

G2076

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

εἰσελθεῖν21 of 40

to enter into

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς22 of 40

into

G1519

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

τὴν23 of 40
G3588

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

ζωὴν24 of 40

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

χωλόν,25 of 40

halt

G5560

"halt", i.e., limping

26 of 40

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

κυλλόν,27 of 40

maimed

G2948

rocking about, i.e., crippled (maimed, in feet or hands)

28 of 40

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

δύο29 of 40

two

G1417

"two"

χεῖρας30 of 40

hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

31 of 40

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

δύο32 of 40

two

G1417

"two"

πόδας33 of 40

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

ἔχοντα34 of 40

having

G2192

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

βληθῆναι35 of 40

cast

G906

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

εἰς36 of 40

into

G1519

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

τὸ37 of 40
G3588

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

πῦρ38 of 40

fire

G4442

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

τὸ39 of 40
G3588

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

αἰώνιον40 of 40

everlasting

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 18:8 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 Matthew 18:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study