New Testament
Matthew 5:30
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 hand causes you to sin, cut it off 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 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.
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 hand' symbolizes something valuable, yet if it leads to sin, it must be removed. This hyperbolic statement illustrates that it is better to sacrifice something precious than to face eternal consequences. The focus is on the importance of spiritual integrity over physical comfort. Jesus is urging His followers to take sin seriously and to be willing to make sacrifices in their lives to maintain their relationship with God. The imagery of being thrown into hell serves as a stark warning about the ultimate fate of those who do not address sin in their lives. This teaching encourages self-examination and a commitment to righteousness, highlighting that the cost of sin is far greater than any temporary loss.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 5:30 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on areas in your life that lead you away from God. Consider making changes or sacrifices, whether it's relationships, habits, or activities, to prioritize your spiritual health and avoid sin.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 5:30 mean?
Matthew 5:30 emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need to take drastic measures to avoid it. Jesus uses the metaphor of cutting off a hand to illustrate that it is better to sacrifice something valuable than to face eternal consequences for sin.
What is the meaning of 'cut it off' in Matthew 5:30?
The phrase 'cut it off' in Matthew 5:30 symbolizes the need to remove anything from your life that leads you to sin. It suggests making significant sacrifices to maintain spiritual integrity and avoid the serious consequences of sin.
How can I apply Matthew 5:30 in my life?
To apply Matthew 5:30, identify areas in your life that lead you away from God and consider making changes. This could involve ending harmful relationships or changing habits that contribute to sin.
What does 'thrown into hell' mean in Matthew 5:30?
'Thrown into hell' in Matthew 5:30 refers to the ultimate consequence of unrepentant sin, highlighting the serious spiritual danger of not addressing sin in one's life.

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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