King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:30 Mean?

Matthew 5:30 in the King James Version says “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 memb... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 5:30 · King James Version


Context

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:

32

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The right hand, being the dominant hand for most people, represents one's most valuable ability or possession. If even your greatest strength causes you to sin, eliminate it. This principle applies to relationships, entertainment, technology, ambitions—anything that leads to sin must go, regardless of cost.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The right hand symbolized power, skill, and importance. Oaths were taken with the right hand, and it performed most daily tasks. Losing it would be devastating. Yet Jesus says hell is worse than any earthly loss, so prioritize eternal wellbeing over temporal comfort.

Reflection Questions

  1. What relationship, habit, or pursuit functions as a 'right hand' that you treasure but leads to sin?
  2. How does the reality of hell motivate radical action against sin in your life?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

εἰ2 of 32

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

3 of 32
G3588

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

δεξιά4 of 32

right

G1188

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

σου5 of 32

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

χεὶρ6 of 32

hand

G5495

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

σκανδαλίζει7 of 32

offend

G4624

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

σε8 of 32

thee

G4571

thee

ἔκκοψον9 of 32

cut

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

αὐτὴν10 of 32

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

καὶ11 of 32

And

G2532

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

βληθῇ12 of 32

cast

G906

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

ἀπὸ13 of 32

it from

G575

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

σου14 of 32

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

συμφέρει15 of 32

it is profitable

G4851

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

γάρ16 of 32

for

G1063

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

σοι17 of 32

for thee

G4671

to thee

ἵνα18 of 32

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀπόληται19 of 32

should perish

G622

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

ἓν20 of 32

one

G1520

one

τῶν21 of 32
G3588

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

μελῶν22 of 32

members

G3196

a limb or part of the body

σου23 of 32

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ24 of 32

And

G2532

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

μὴ25 of 32

not

G3361

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

ὅλον26 of 32

whole

G3650

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

τὸ27 of 32
G3588

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

σῶμά28 of 32

body

G4983

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

σου29 of 32

of thy

G4675

of thee, thy

βληθῇ30 of 32

cast

G906

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

εἰς31 of 32

into

G1519

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

γέενναν32 of 32

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 5:30 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 5:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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