King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:9 Mean?

Matthew 18:9 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 18:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

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 · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

And

G2532

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

εἰ2 of 31

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

3 of 31
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμοὺς4 of 31

eye

G3788

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

σοῦ·5 of 31

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

σκανδαλίζει6 of 31

offend

G4624

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

σε7 of 31

thee

G4571

thee

ἔξελε8 of 31

out

G1807

actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release

αὐτὸν9 of 31

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

καὶ10 of 31

And

G2532

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

βληθῆναι11 of 31

cast

G906

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

ἀπὸ12 of 31

it from

G575

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

σοῦ·13 of 31

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

καλόν14 of 31

better

G2570

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

σοι15 of 31

for thee

G4671

to thee

ἐστὶν16 of 31

it is

G2076

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

μονόφθαλμον17 of 31

with one eye

G3442

one-eyed

εἰς18 of 31

into

G1519

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

τὴν19 of 31
G3588

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

ζωὴν20 of 31

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

εἰσελθεῖν21 of 31

to enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

22 of 31

rather than

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

δύο23 of 31

two

G1417

"two"

ὀφθαλμοὺς24 of 31

eye

G3788

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

ἔχοντα25 of 31

having

G2192

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

βληθῆναι26 of 31

cast

G906

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

εἰς27 of 31

into

G1519

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

τὴν28 of 31
G3588

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

γέενναν29 of 31

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

τοῦ30 of 31
G3588

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

πυρός31 of 31

fire

G4442

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


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 18:9 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 18:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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