What does Matthew 18:9 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:9 is a verse that emphasizes the severity of sin and the lengths to which an individual should go to avoid it.

On a literal level, Jesus is speaking about self-mutilation – suggesting that if your eye causes you to sin, it is better to live without it than to have two eyes and be condemned in hell.

This hyperbolic statement is not to be taken literally; it serves as a forceful illustration that sin has serious consequences and must be dealt with drastically.

It highlights the importance of spiritual health over physical wholeness and stresses the urgency of avoiding anything that might cause one to stumble morally or spiritually.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus often referred to as the Sermon of the Church or the Fourth Discourse, found in Matthew 18.

The historical context during this time was a society governed by Jewish law and cultural norms that valued religious purity and moral behavior.

Jesus, addressing his disciples and the crowds, was often countercultural in his teachings, suggesting a deeper, more personal application of the law that focused on inward transformation over outward conformity.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer various insights into this verse.

From a conservative standpoint, the severity of Jesus’ words underscores the gravity of sin and the drastic measures required to avoid it.

In contrast, a liberal perspective might focus on the allegorical nature of Jesus' teaching, encouraging avoidance of systemic or intrinsic evil without prescribing self-harm.

Liberation theologians might stress the social dimension, seeing the "eye" as structures of oppression that must be dismantled for the sake of communal salvation.

Practical Applications

The figural language Jesus uses in Matthew 18:9 prompts believers to consider what things in their lives lead them away from righteousness and into sin.

In practical terms, this could mean cutting out harmful relationships, addictive behaviors, or unethical practices in personal and professional life.

It emphasizes the need for self-discipline and the willingness to make significant sacrifices for the sake of spiritual well-being.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:29-30: "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.

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."

• 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."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• "Offend" (σκανδαλίζει, scandalizei): To cause to stumble or to sin.
• "Pluck it out" (ἔκβαλε, ekbale): Literally to cast out or throw away.
• "Hell fire" (γέενναν τοῦ πυρός, geennan tou pyros): Refers to Gehenna, a place outside Jerusalem used as a metaphor for the place of final punishment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, many cultures had strict purity laws and practices, including the concept of removing what is unclean. In Greek mythology, self-inflicted wounds or sacrifices were sometimes made to appease the gods.

In contrast, Jesus’ use of hyperbole targets an internal, moral purity rather than an external ritualistic purity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding recognizes that the behaviors Jesus metaphorically discusses are indicative of self-harm, a psychological condition that requires professional treatment.

Therefore, this passage isn’t suggesting literal self-mutilation but implies a psychological and moral introspection and changing of harmful behaviors.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have long noted that Jesus is using hyperbolic language to make a serious point.

John Calvin comments that these severe terms show how dear our salvation should be to us.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary explains that the figure of speech is intended to shock people into recognizing the catastrophic results of sin.

Matthew Henry's Commentary adds that it is a representation of the utmost that can be done in fleeing from sin and occasion of it.