Matthew 18:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
4 of 31
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
σκανδαλίζει
offend
G4624
σκανδαλίζει
offend
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
6 of 31
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
ἔξελε
out
G1807
ἔξελε
out
Strong's:
G1807
Word #:
8 of 31
actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 31
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 #:
10 of 31
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 #:
11 of 31
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ἀπὸ
it from
G575
ἀπὸ
it from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 31
"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 #:
14 of 31
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 #:
18 of 31
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 #:
19 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
24 of 31
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ἔχοντα
having
G2192
ἔχοντα
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
25 of 31
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 #:
26 of 31
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
27 of 31
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 #:
28 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γέενναν
hell
G1067
γέενναν
hell
Strong's:
G1067
Word #:
29 of 31
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
Cross References
Matthew 18:8Wherefore 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.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Matthew 5:22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.Revelation 21:27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.Matthew 5:29And 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.
Historical 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.
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
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.