New Testament

Mark 9:47

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the drastic measures one should take to avoid it.

Author
John Mark
Written
Around AD 55-65
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Roman and Gentile Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It's better to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have both eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell,

KJVKing James Version

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the drastic measures one should take to avoid it. The metaphor of tearing out an eye illustrates that if something leads you to sin, it is better to remove that temptation, even if it seems extreme. The focus is on the eternal consequences of sin, suggesting that entering the kingdom of God, even with a significant loss, is far better than facing eternal punishment. This teaching highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual well-being over physical comfort or desires. It serves as a stark reminder that the choices we make in life have lasting implications, and we should be willing to make sacrifices to ensure our place in God's kingdom.

Key themes

Related topics

sin, sacrifice, temptation

How to apply Mark 9:47 to your life

Consider what in your life leads you to sin and take steps to remove those influences. This could mean avoiding certain situations, relationships, or habits that draw you away from your spiritual goals. Prioritize your relationship with God above all else.

Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Mark 9:47 mean?

Mark 9:47 emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need to take drastic measures to avoid it. Jesus uses the metaphor of plucking out an eye to illustrate that it is better to sacrifice something valuable than to face eternal punishment for sin.

What is the meaning of 'pluck it out' in Mark 9:47?

The phrase 'pluck it out' in Mark 9:47 symbolizes the need to remove anything that leads to sin. It suggests that one should be willing to make significant sacrifices to avoid temptation and ensure their spiritual well-being.

How does Mark 9:47 relate to temptation?

Mark 9:47 relates to temptation by highlighting the necessity of removing influences that lead to sin. It teaches that taking action against temptation, even if it seems extreme, is crucial for maintaining a relationship with God.

What are the eternal consequences mentioned in Mark 9:47?

The eternal consequences mentioned in Mark 9:47 refer to the punishment of hell for those who allow sin to dominate their lives. The verse stresses that entering the kingdom of God, even with sacrifices, is far better than facing eternal separation from God.

The Book of Mark
Book Summary

The Book of Mark

Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.

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