New Testament
Matthew 18:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It's better to enter life crippled or maimed than to have both hands and both feet and be thrown into everlasting fire.
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Wherefore 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.
What Matthew 18:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the drastic measures one should take to avoid it. He uses the metaphor of cutting off a hand or foot to illustrate that it is better to sacrifice something valuable than to face eternal punishment. The imagery of being thrown into 'everlasting fire' serves as a warning about the consequences of allowing sin to control one's life. Jesus is not advocating for self-harm but is stressing the importance of prioritizing spiritual well-being over physical comfort. The message encourages believers to take sin seriously and to make difficult choices to ensure they remain on the right path toward eternal life.
How to apply Matthew 18:8 to your life
This verse challenges us to evaluate our lives for anything that leads us away from God. It encourages us to make tough decisions, whether that means ending harmful relationships or habits, to protect our spiritual health and ensure we are living in alignment with God's will.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 18:8 mean about cutting off hands or feet?
Matthew 18:8 uses the metaphor of cutting off hands or feet to illustrate the seriousness of sin and the lengths one should go to avoid it. Jesus is emphasizing that it is better to sacrifice something valuable in this life than to face eternal punishment for allowing sin to control one's life. This drastic imagery serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being.
Is Jesus promoting self-harm in Matthew 18:8?
No, Jesus is not promoting self-harm in Matthew 18:8. The verse uses hyperbolic language to stress the importance of taking sin seriously. The focus is on making difficult choices to avoid sin rather than inflicting physical harm on oneself. The message is about prioritizing spiritual health and making sacrifices that lead to eternal life.
How can I apply Matthew 18:8 to my life today?
To apply Matthew 18:8, evaluate your life for anything that leads you away from God, such as harmful relationships, habits, or influences. Consider making tough decisions to eliminate these distractions, even if it feels uncomfortable. This could mean distancing yourself from negative influences or changing certain behaviors to protect your spiritual health and align your life with God's will.
What are the consequences of ignoring the message in Matthew 18:8?
Ignoring the message in Matthew 18:8 can lead to spiritual complacency and a greater risk of falling into sin. The verse warns of the severe consequences of allowing sin to take root in your life, which can ultimately lead to eternal separation from God. By taking the message seriously, believers are encouraged to actively pursue a life that honors God and avoids the pitfalls of sin.
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