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.

MATTHEW 5:30KJV
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Matthew 5:30 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:30 mean?

Matthew 5:30 uses strong imagery to warn that anything in your life that leads you into wrongdoing should be removed, even if it feels as essential as your own right hand. Jesus is emphasizing that it is better to lose something valuable than to let sin take over your whole life and face severe consequences.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching about the seriousness of sin and the importance of personal responsibility. The language about cutting off your right hand is not meant to be taken literally, but to highlight how drastic and determined someone should be in avoiding things that cause them to stumble morally. The verse fits into a larger section where Jesus urges people to go beyond surface-level obedience and address the root causes of sin.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:30

  • The word "offend" is from σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō), which means "to cause to stumble" or "to lead into sin." This shows that Jesus is talking about anything that trips you up spiritually, not just physical actions.
  • The phrase "cut it off" uses ἐκκόπτω (ekkoptō), which means to sever or remove completely. The idea is not about injury but about decisively separating from what causes harm.
  • "Hell" is from γέεννα (Geenna), a term referring to a place of final judgment. This word carries a strong warning about the seriousness of the consequences Jesus is describing.

Why Matthew 5:30 matters

  • Matthew 5:30 clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus is promoting self-harm; instead, he is using vivid language to stress the seriousness of dealing with sin.
  • The verse emphasizes that personal sacrifice may be necessary to maintain integrity and spiritual health, showing how important it is to address the root causes of wrongdoing.
  • This teaching connects to the broader message of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls for a deeper, heart-level righteousness rather than just outward rule-keeping.

Where else these words appear

“cut” Greek G1581 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

“hell” Greek G1067 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

“profitable” Greek G4851 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 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.
  • John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

“members” Greek G3196 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.