New Testament
Matthew 5:30
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Matthew 5:30 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. 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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 5:30
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 5:30
Related Bible verses
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.