Keraia
Matthew 5

Matthew 5:29

Adultery · Matthew 5:27–30
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Translations

Modern
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Now if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish and not that your whole body should be cast into Gehenna.
Latin
Quod si oculus tuus dexter scandalizat te, erue eum, et projice abs te: expedit enim tibi ut pereat unum membrorum tuorum, quam totum corpus tuum mittatur in gehennam.

Original

Greek
English
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Notes

Matthew 5:29

Hell (Greek Gehenna): Gehenna was the name of a valley outside Jerusalem. Some kings of Judah used this place to worship idols and even offered children as sacrifices by fire (2 Chronicles 28:3; 33:6; Jeremiah 7:31; 32:35). King Josiah eventually destroyed this site (2 Kings 23:10).

In the New Testament, Gehenna refers to the place where God punishes. Jesus taught that unless his followers live with greater righteousness (living in the right way before God), they will not enter God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:20). Instead, they will face eternal punishment (5:22; 23:33).

Matthew 5:29–30

If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away: These vivid images demand a complete rejection of sin. But even extreme actions like self-harm cannot stop a lustful mind. Jesus calls for a greater righteousness that only he can provide.

Matthew 5:27–30

The righteousness of Jesus exposes sin beyond only outward actions. He shows the true purpose of the law.

Matthew 5:21–47

You have heard … But I tell you: Jesus contrasts his teachings to six misunderstandings of the law. Each example shows the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals God's will, which contrasts with human traditions.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Biblical Law Faith and Good Deeds

Events

Parallels

Leviticus 18:1–30

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Descent into Hell Discipline Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Hell Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Moses Offend, Offense Place of the Dead Reward Sea of Galilee Topheth

Topics

Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Eye: The offending Eyes Hell in the RV the Greek Word |Gehenna| is Translated |Hell| in the Following Scriptures Hell: The Body Suffers In Hell: The Future Home of the Wicked Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Instruction in Religion Judaism: The Religion of the Jews: To Make Room for the Gospel Law: Temporary Little Eyes Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Religion: True Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning The Punishment of the Wicked: Future Described as Hell Watching Television