Matthew 5:30
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιά
right
G1188
δεξιά
right
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
4 of 32
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
χεὶρ
hand
G5495
χεὶρ
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
6 of 32
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
σκανδαλίζει
offend
G4624
σκανδαλίζει
offend
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
7 of 32
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
αὐτὴν
it
G846
αὐτὴν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 32
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 #:
11 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βληθῇ
cast
G906
βληθῇ
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
12 of 32
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ἀπὸ
it from
G575
ἀπὸ
it from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 32
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
συμφέρει
it is profitable
G4851
συμφέρει
it is profitable
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
15 of 32
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 32
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπόληται
should perish
G622
ἀπόληται
should perish
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
19 of 32
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
25 of 32
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅλον
whole
G3650
ὅλον
whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
26 of 32
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
28 of 32
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
βληθῇ
cast
G906
βληθῇ
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
30 of 32
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
Cross References
Mark 9:43And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: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.1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.1 Corinthians 8:13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.Luke 17:2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Matthew 13:21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.Luke 12:5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What relationship, habit, or pursuit functions as a 'right hand' that you treasure but leads to sin?
- How does the reality of hell motivate radical action against sin in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.