Matthew 18:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
hand
G5495
χεῖρας
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
4 of 40
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκανδαλίζει
offend thee
G4624
σκανδαλίζει
offend thee
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
10 of 40
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 40
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 40
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βληθῆναι
cast
G906
βληθῆναι
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
15 of 40
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ἀπὸ
them from
G575
ἀπὸ
them from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 40
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
καλόν
better
G2570
καλόν
better
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
18 of 40
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 40
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυλλόν,
maimed
G2948
κυλλόν,
maimed
Strong's:
G2948
Word #:
27 of 40
rocking about, i.e., crippled (maimed, in feet or hands)
χεῖρας
hand
G5495
χεῖρας
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
30 of 40
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἔχοντα
having
G2192
ἔχοντα
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
34 of 40
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
βληθῆναι
cast
G906
βληθῆναι
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
35 of 40
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
36 of 40
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
37 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 13:12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Revelation 14:10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:Ezekiel 18:31Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Isaiah 33:14The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:Matthew 25:46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.Luke 14:33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
- What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
- How should you share this truth with others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.