Matthew 5:29
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.
Matthew 5:29
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus intensifies moral discernment beyond outward obedience to the letter of the law. Here, the metaphor of removing a bodily faculty signals the seriousness with which we should deal with sin. The option of plucking out an eye or cutting off a hand is hyperbolic—an intentional exaggeration to press home the principle: sin, especially habitual or dangerous sin, must be dealt with decisively. The cultural backdrop includes rabbinic debates about means of avoiding sin and the balance between personal responsibility and grace. Jesus isn’t prescribing self-harm; he’s teaching radical discipline—neither to tolerate sin nor to become enslaved by it. The term “offend thee” (skandalizō) can mean cause to stumble or to be morally repulsed by sin. The stark imagery reflects ancient concern for ritual purity and moral integrity within a community under covenant expectations. The call to “profit” suggests a practical, enduring benefit: preserving life and spiritual health over momentary comfort or appetite.
This verse foregrounds the seriousness of sin and the necessity of decisive action to prevent spiritual ruin. It challenges passive religiosity and points to sanctification as ongoing obedience shaped by desire—where the heart, not just the ritual, is at stake. The hyperbole aligns with Jesus’ broader teaching that inner motives matter: righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. The death of the self-promoting appetite for sin reorients a person toward God’s kingdom. It also foreshadows the costly discipleship Jesus rates as central to following him. The passage affirms humanity’s responsibility to choose life-giving paths even when they require loss. Theologically, it underscores grace that enables such renunciation, not merely legalistic self-denial.
Practically, ask: where does sin most tempt me—eye or hand? Is there a habit, screen time, destructive pattern, or relationship that compromises faith? Radical steps may be needed: accountability, removing temptations, setting boundaries, or seeking help. For example, if online pornography feeds temptation (eye), install filters, set accountability with a trusted friend, or schedule digital Sabbath days. If reckless spending or harmful actions (hand) tempt you, institute fiscal boundaries or remove access to impulsive tools. The goal isn’t self-flagellation but freedom—healthy discipline that preserves life in Christ. This calls for humility: admit where you’re vulnerable, seek grace, and implement concrete plans. It’s about choosing long-term flourishing in God’s image over short-term indulgence.
Cross-References: Proverbs 4:23; James 1:14-15; Romans 6:12-14; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Hebrews 12:1-2