Matthew 18:8-9 KJV,ASV

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:8

The severity of spiritual discipline. Cutting off a right hand and plucking out a right eye are extreme measures, types of the severest dealing with one's self. They bring into thought those cases of disease in which signs of mortification are shown, and the limb must be promptly surrendered or the life will be lost. Our Lord's counsel rests upon the recognized fact that bodily organs are the agents of sin. The palate is the agency of drunkenness and gluttony, the eye of sensuality, and the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:8-9

The offending member. A moment's reflection will convince us that these stern sentences of Christ's are unanswerable. If the alternative lay between losing a limb and losing his life, who would hesitate with his decision? "All that a man hath will he give for his life." I. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR WHAT IS VERY NEAR TO US TO BE FATALLY HURTFUL TO US . It would be a mistake to suppose that our Lord meant that under any circumstances self-mutilation would be a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:9

Hell fire. A synonym for the "everlasting fire" of the previous verse, and the "unquenchable fire" of the Baptist's warning ( Matthew 3:12 ), and to be understood in the same sense. It is good to be saved even with the loss of all that makes earthly life happy and precious. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 18:8-9

If thy hand ... - See the notes at Matthew 5:29-30. The sense in all these instances is the same. Worldly attachments, friendships, and employments of any kind, that cannot be pursued without leading us into sin, be they ever so dear to us, must be abandoned, or the soul will be lost.It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed ... - It is not meant, by this, that when the body shall be raised it will be maimed and disfigured in this manner. It will be perfect. See 1 Corinthians... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 18:7-9

Matthew 18:7-9. Wo unto the world because of offences That is, unspeakable misery will be in the world through them: for it must needs be that offences come Such is the nature of things, and such the weakness, folly, and wickedness of mankind, that it cannot be but they will come: but wo to that man That is, miserable is that man; by whom the offence cometh. Offences are all things whereby any one is turned out of or hindered in the way of God. If thy hand, foot, eye, offend thee, ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:1-14

78. Lessons in humility (Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 18:1-14; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:44-50)Despite Jesus’ statement to his disciples that he was heading towards humiliating suffering and death (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45), they were arguing among themselves about who would have the important places in his kingdom. Jesus rebuked them, explaining that the way to spiritual greatness is through choosing the lowest place and serving others. To enter the kingdom of God, people must... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 18:8

if thy hand, &c. Assuming the condition. See App-118 . offend = keepeth on causing thee to offend. better = good. Figure of speech Heterosis (of Degree). App-6 . life = the life: i.e. resurrection life, or life eternal. Greek. zoe. App-170 . See note on Matthew 9:18 and Leviticus 18:5 . Compare Matthew 7:14 . hell fire = Gehenna of fire. See note on Matthew 5:22 . Occurs elsewhere only in Mark 9:47 . App-131 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 18:8

And if thy hand or thy foot causeth thee to stumble, cut it off and cast it from thee: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed or halt, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire.Most commentators, ancient and modern, make Christ's word here a metaphor applicable to the individual who should give up the most cherished friendship, indulgence; or habit, if such hinders spiritual life. It is also applied to the church itself which should put away evil members,... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 18:9

And if thine eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is good for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire.See on Matthew 18:8, above. The lesson is identical in these cases and is repeated for emphasis. Special attention is directed to the Saviour's teaching on eternal punishment. See notes on Matthew 25:41. See under Matthew 5:29,30. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 18:8

Matthew 18:8. Wherefore, if thy hand or foot offend thee— Insnare thee. Campbell, and so Matthew 18:9. Our Lord here renews the exhortation which he formerly gave, Ch. Mat 5:29-30 rather to submit to the severest mortifications, than to indulge our sinful inclinations, to the scandal of others, and our own ruin. We may observe, that St. Matthew, who has so largely recorded the sermon on the mount, gives us again this passage of it on the present occasion; which is one proof among others, that... read more