Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:9

What does Matthew 18:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:9 means

Continuing the powerful hyperbolic imagery from the previous verse, Jesus extends the warning to the eye, similarly urging believers to take extreme measures against anything that causes them to stumble spiritually. Rather than allowing a lustful gaze or any visual temptation to lead to eternal damnation, it is better to metaphorically 'pluck it out.' This reinforces the point that no earthly possession, comfort, or even physical faculty is worth sacrificing one's eternal salvation or enduring the 'hell of fire.'

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if your eye is a cause of trouble to you, take it out, and put it away from you: it is better for you to go into life with one eye than, having two eyes, to go into the hell of fire.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And if thine eye doth cause thee to stumble, pluck it out and cast from thee; it is good for thee one-eyed to enter into the life, rather than having two eyes to be cast to the gehenna of the fire.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast [it] from thee; it is good for thee to enter into life one-eyed, [rather] than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire.

Context

This verse mirrors and reinforces the radical instruction given in verse 8, applied specifically to the eye. Together, these two verses underscore the critical importance of actively confronting and eliminating personal sources of temptation and sin. This strong call to self-discipline and avoidance of spiritual stumbling then transitions into a renewed caution about not despising the 'little ones' in verse 10.

v.8And 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.

v.9This passage

v.10See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 14:22

    confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Mark 9:47

    And if thine eye cause thee to stumble, cast it out: it is good for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell;

  • Matthew 16:26

    For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

  • Revelation 21:27

    and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

  • Hebrews 4:11

    Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience.

  • Matthew 5:22

    but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.

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