King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:29 Mean?

Matthew 5:29 in the King James Version says “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 mem... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. offend: or, do cause thee to offend

Matthew 5:29 · KJV


Context

27

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

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. offend: or, do cause thee to offend

30

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.

31

It hath been said , Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hyperbolic language emphasizes the extreme seriousness of sin and need for radical action. Jesus doesn't command literal self-mutilation but ruthless elimination of sin's occasions. If something causes you to sin, remove it, no matter how valuable. Spiritual purity is worth any earthly sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Jewish and pagan texts sometimes discussed self-mutilation, but the Torah prohibited it. Jesus speaks hyperbolically to shock His audience into recognizing sin's gravity. The eye was considered precious, making the metaphor powerful.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'eye' (valuable thing) in your life feeds sinful patterns that you need to remove?
  2. How seriously do you take the cost of discipleship and the demand for radical holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
εἰ1 of 33

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 33

And

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 33
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμός4 of 33

eye

G3788

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

σου5 of 33

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

6 of 33
G3588

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

δεξιὸς7 of 33

right

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

σκανδαλίζει8 of 33

offend

G4624

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

σε9 of 33

thee

G4571

thee

ἔξελε10 of 33

out

G1807

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

αὐτὸν11 of 33

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

καὶ12 of 33

and

G2532

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

βληθῇ13 of 33

cast

G906

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

ἀπὸ14 of 33

it from

G575

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

σου15 of 33

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

συμφέρει16 of 33

it is profitable

G4851

to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage

γάρ17 of 33

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

σοι18 of 33

for thee

G4671

to thee

ἵνα19 of 33

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀπόληται20 of 33

should perish

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ἓν21 of 33

one

G1520

one

τῶν22 of 33
G3588

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

μελῶν23 of 33

members

G3196

a limb or part of the body

σου24 of 33

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ25 of 33

and

G2532

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

μὴ26 of 33

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὅλον27 of 33

whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὸ28 of 33
G3588

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

σῶμά29 of 33

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

σου30 of 33

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

βληθῇ31 of 33

cast

G906

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

εἰς32 of 33

into

G1519

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

γέενναν33 of 33

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


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 5:29 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 5:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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