New Testament
Matthew 5:29
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
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It's better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
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.
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 'right eye' symbolizes something valuable that can lead to temptation or wrongdoing. By suggesting that one should 'tear it out,' Jesus is not advocating self-harm but rather illustrating the importance of removing anything in life that leads to sin. The underlying message is that it is better to sacrifice something precious than to face eternal consequences. This teaching highlights the need for self-discipline and the willingness to make tough choices to maintain spiritual integrity. The reference to hell serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate fate of those who persist in sin without repentance. Overall, this verse calls for a serious approach to personal morality and the need to prioritize spiritual well-being over physical or material attachments.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 5:29 to your life
To apply this teaching, evaluate your life for influences that lead you to sin. Consider removing or distancing yourself from these influences, whether they are relationships, habits, or environments. Prioritize your spiritual health over temporary pleasures.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 5:29 mean?
Matthew 5:29 emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need to take drastic measures to avoid it. Jesus uses the metaphor of removing a body part to illustrate that it is better to sacrifice something valuable than to face eternal consequences for sin.
What is the meaning of 'pluck it out' in Matthew 5:29?
The phrase 'pluck it out' symbolizes the need to remove anything in life that leads to sin or temptation. It is not a literal instruction but a call for self-discipline and making tough choices for spiritual integrity.
How can I apply Matthew 5:29 in my life?
To apply this teaching, identify influences in your life that lead you to sin and consider distancing yourself from them. Focus on prioritizing your spiritual health over temporary pleasures or relationships.
What does the reference to hell mean in Matthew 5:29?
The reference to hell serves as a warning about the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin. It underscores the importance of making sacrifices to avoid spiritual ruin.
The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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