Mark 9:47
What does Mark 9:47 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:47 means
Jesus extends His teaching on radical self-denial to the eye, stating that if one's eye, representing desires, perceptions, or observations, causes one to stumble into sin, it is better to cast it out. The emphasis is on entering "the kingdom of God with one eye" rather than possessing both eyes and being cast into hell. This extreme imagery underscores the absolute necessity of guarding one's inner life and perceptions to escape eternal damnation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if your eye is a cause of trouble to you, take it out: it is better for you to go into the kingdom of God with one eye than, having two eyes, to go into hell,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And if thine eye may cause thee to stumble, cast it out; it is better for thee one-eyed to enter into the reign of God, than having two eyes, to be cast to the gehenna of the fire--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And if thine eye serve as a snare to thee, cast it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom ofGod with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire,
Context
This verse concludes Jesus' triad of radical warnings about body parts, immediately following the instruction concerning the foot. By addressing the eye, He covers the full scope of human action, path, and perception that can lead to sin. This final, intense warning directly precedes the vivid description of hell, establishing the dire consequences that necessitate such uncompromising self-examination and spiritual discipline.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 4:15
Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
- Job 31:1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin?
- 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.
- Luke 14:26
If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
- Mark 9:43
And if thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.
- 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.
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