Matthew 5:30

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἡ

G3588

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

δεξιά

G1188

right

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

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

χεὶρ

G5495

hand

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

σκανδαλίζει

G4624

offend

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

σε

G4571

thee

ἔκκοψον

G1581

cut

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate

#10

αὐτὴν

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

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

βληθῇ

G906

cast

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

#13

ἀπὸ

G575

it from

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

#14

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

#15

συμφέρει

G4851

it is profitable

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

#16

γάρ

G1063

for

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

#17

σοι

G4671

for thee

to thee

#18

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#19

ἀπόληται

G622

should perish

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

#20

ἓν

G1520

one

#21

τῶν

G3588

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

#22

μελῶν

G3196

members

a limb or part of the body

#23

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

μὴ

G3361

not

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

#26

ὅλον

G3650

whole

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

#27

τὸ

G3588

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

#28

σῶμά

G4983

body

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

#29

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

#30

βληθῇ

G906

cast

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

#31

εἰς

G1519

into

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

#32

γέενναν

G1067

hell

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Matthew 5:30

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources