What does Matthew 5:29 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 5:29 contains a metaphorical exhortation from Jesus, emphasizing the importance of drastic measures in avoiding sin.

The "right eye" in this verse represents something valuable, as the right side often signified power or favor in Jewish culture.

To "offend thee" means to cause one to sin.

The advice given is hyperbolic – to "pluck it out" and "cast it from thee" – and it is not intended to be taken literally.

Instead, Jesus uses this striking language to stress that his followers should decisively remove any source of temptation or sin from their lives, no matter how precious it may seem.

The rationale is that it's better to lose something valuable than for one's whole being to suffer the consequences of sin, depicted here as being "cast into hell."

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which encompasses Matthew chapters 5 through 7 and is one of the key discourses of Jesus in the New Testament.

During this time, the Jewish culture had a strong legalistic approach to religion, focusing on the literal adherence to the Law of Moses.

Jesus, however, introduces a more introspective and spiritual application of the law, urging people to consider the intentions and thoughts behind their actions.

When this verse was written, the use of hyperbole was a common rhetorical technique, which helped to make moral and ethical teachings more memorable to audiences.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations generally agree that this verse points to the seriousness with which sin should be dealt with.

In Catholic theology, it is associated with the concept of "occasions of sin" and the practice of penance.

In many Protestant traditions, this teaching underscores the doctrine of total depravity, which asserts that every aspect of humanity is marred by sin, and thus, extreme measures are sometimes necessary in the pursuit of holiness.

Theologians from both camps often view Jesus' words as emphasizing the internal struggle with sin, as opposed to a strict literal mutilation.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can instigate self-examination and encourage believers to identify what leads them to sin in their lives.

It might influence a person to end a toxic relationship, change a harmful habit, avoid certain forms of entertainment, or make a career change if these things lead to ungodly behavior.

The application is about prioritizing spiritual well-being and moral integrity over temporal pleasures or gains.

Cross-References

• Matthew 18:9 - "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."
• Mark 9:47 - "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:"
• Matthew 5:30 - "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."

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "offend thee" (Greek: σκανδαλίζει, skandalizei) which implies to "cause to stumble" or "to sin".
• "pluck it out" (Greek: ἔξελε, exeile) which suggests to "remove" or "take out forcefully".
• "cast it from thee" (Greek: βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ, bale apo sou) signifies a decisive action of throwing away or discarding.

This linguistic study helps clarify that the verse is not suggesting physical self-harm but uses intense imagery to make a moral point.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, there were also practices of self-inflicted harm or deprivation as acts of piety or penance. For instance, some ancient pagan cults would engage in ritualistic mutilation.

In contrast, the teachings of Jesus, while seemingly echoing these ascetic practices, are metaphorical and focus on moral conduct, not physical sacrifice.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, interpreting this verse literally would be problematic, as self-mutilation can be an indication of psychological disorders such as Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID).

Science would encourage treating such impulses with therapy rather than acting on them.

Understanding this verse through a non-literal lens is more consistent with modern psychological understandings of healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with destructive behaviors.

Commentaries

Scholars and religious commentators often stress the hyperbolic nature of this statement.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary remarks that Jesus uses this forceful imagery as a teaching tool to convey the seriousness of sin.

John Stott, in his commentary, "The Message of the Sermon on the Mount," notes that the verse teaches the principle of radical self-denial in the face of temptation.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for prevention of sin.

These commentaries agree that the verse counsels against literal self-harm, advocating instead for a rigorous spiritual discipline.