Matthew 5:29

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.

Study Bible

If your right eye causes you to sin
The "right eye" in ancient Jewish culture was often considered the more dominant or valuable eye, symbolizing something precious or significant in one's life. The Greek word for "causes you to sin" is "skandalizo," which means to cause to stumble or to lead into sin. This phrase emphasizes the seriousness with which Jesus addresses sin, urging believers to be vigilant about anything that might lead them astray, even if it is something as valuable as the right eye.

Gouge it out and throw it away
This hyperbolic language is not a literal command but a vivid illustration of the drastic measures one should be willing to take to avoid sin. The act of "gouging out" and "throwing away" signifies a decisive and complete removal of anything that leads to sin. It reflects the radical nature of repentance and the call to holiness, urging believers to prioritize spiritual integrity over physical or material attachments.

It is better for you to lose one part of your body
This phrase underscores the concept of sacrifice for the sake of righteousness. The Greek word "apollymi," translated as "lose," conveys the idea of destruction or ruin. Jesus is teaching that the temporary loss of something valuable is preferable to the eternal consequences of sin. This reflects the eternal perspective that should guide a believer's life, valuing spiritual well-being over temporal comforts.

Than for your whole body to be thrown into hell
The term "hell" here is translated from the Greek word "Gehenna," which historically referred to the Valley of Hinnom, a place outside Jerusalem associated with idolatry and child sacrifice, later becoming a symbol of divine judgment and eternal damnation. Jesus uses this imagery to convey the severity of sin's consequences, emphasizing the eternal stakes involved in moral and spiritual decisions. This serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of judgment and the importance of living a life aligned with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.

2. The Disciples and the Crowd
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing both His followers and the broader public.

3. The Sermon on the Mount
A significant event where Jesus outlines the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing righteousness and inner purity.

Teaching Points

Radical Measures Against Sin
Jesus uses hyperbolic language to stress the importance of taking drastic actions to avoid sin. This is not a literal call to self-mutilation but a metaphor for the seriousness with which we should treat sin.

The Value of Eternal Life
The verse underscores the eternal consequences of sin, emphasizing that it is better to suffer loss in this life than to risk eternal separation from God.

Guarding the Heart and Mind
The "right eye" symbolizes what we allow into our hearts and minds. We must be vigilant about what we consume and how it influences our spiritual walk.

Holiness and Purity
This teaching calls believers to pursue holiness and purity, recognizing that sin begins in the heart and mind before manifesting in actions.

Community and Accountability
While personal responsibility is emphasized, the Christian community plays a role in helping each other avoid sin through accountability and support.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Jesus' use of hyperbolic language in Matthew 5:29 teach us about the seriousness of sin?

2. How can we apply the principle of "gouging out the right eye" in a practical way in our daily lives?

3. In what ways can the Christian community support individuals in their efforts to avoid sin, as suggested by this passage?

4. How do the teachings in Matthew 5:29 relate to Paul's instructions in Colossians 3:5 about putting to death earthly desires?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to remove something from your life to maintain spiritual integrity. How did this align with the teachings of Matthew 5:29?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 18:8-9
Jesus reiterates the concept of removing anything that causes sin, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for radical action.

Colossians 3:5
Paul instructs believers to put to death whatever belongs to their earthly nature, aligning with the call to remove sinful influences.

Romans 6:12-13
Paul speaks about not letting sin reign in our mortal bodies, which connects to the idea of taking drastic measures to avoid sin.

Proverbs 4:23
This verse highlights the importance of guarding one's heart, which is the wellspring of life, aligning with the need to protect oneself from sin.