Matthew 5:29
Verse
Context
Adultery
28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And if thy right eye--the readier and the dearer of the two. offend thee--be a "trap spring," or as in the New Testament, be "an occasion of stumbling" to thee. pluck it out and cast it from thee--implying a certain indignant promptitude, heedless of whatever cost to feeling the act may involve. Of course, it is not the eye simply of which our Lord speaks--as if execution were to be done upon the bodily organ--though there have been fanatical ascetics who have both advocated and practiced this, showing a very low apprehension of spiritual things--but the offending eye, or the eye considered as the occasion of sin; and consequently, only the sinful exercise of the organ which is meant. For as one might put out his eyes without in the least quenching the lust to which they ministered, so, "if thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light," and, when directed by a holy mind, becomes an "instrument of righteousness unto God." At the same time, just as by cutting off a hand, or plucking out an eye, the power of acting and of seeing would be destroyed, our Lord certainly means that we are to strike at the root of such unholy dispositions, as well as cut off the occasions which tend to stimulate them. for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell--He who despises the warning to cast from him, with indignant promptitude, an offending member, will find his whole body "cast," with a retributive promptitude of indignation, "into hell." Sharp language, this, from the lips of Love incarnate!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if thy right eye offend thee,.... Or "cause thee to offend", to stumble, and fall into sin. Our Lord has no regard here to near and dear relations seeking to alienate us from God and Christ, and hinder us in the pursuit of divine things; whose solicitations are to be rejected with the utmost indignation, and they themselves to be parted with, and forsaken, rather than complied with; which is the sense some give of the words: for both in this, and the following verse, respect is had only to the law of adultery; and to such members of the body, which often are the means of leading persons on to the breach of it; particularly the eye and hand. The eye is often the instrument of ensnaring the heart this way: hence the Jews have a (z) saying, "whoever looks upon women, at the end comes into the hands of transgression.'' Mention is only made of the right eye; not but that the left may be an occasion of sinning, as well as the right; but that being most dear and valuable, is instanced in, and ordered to be parted with: pluck it out, and cast it from thee: which is not to be understood literally; for no man is obliged to mutilate any part of his body, to prevent sin, or on account of the commission of it; this is no where required, and if done, would be sinful, as in the case of Origen: but figuratively; and the sense is, that persons should make a covenant with their eyes, as Job did; and turn them away from beholding such objects, which may tend to excite impure thoughts and desires; deny themselves the gratification of the sense of seeing, or feeding the eyes with such sights, as are graceful to the flesh; and with indignation and contempt, reject, and avoid all opportunities and occasions of sinning; which the eye may be the instrument of, and lead unto: for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. This is still a continuation of the figure here used; and the meaning is, that it will turn to better account, to lose all the carnal pleasures of the eye, or all those pleasing sights, which are grateful to a carnal heart, than, by enjoying them, to expose the whole man, body and soul, to everlasting destruction, in the fire of hell. (z) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 20. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:29-30 good eye . . . gouge it out . . . stronger hand . . . cut it off: These graphic images call for radical separation from sin. But even self-mutilation, radical as it would be, cannot stop a lustful mind. Jesus is calling for the surpassing righteousness that only he can bring. 5:29 hell (Greek Gehenna): Gehenna originally referred to a valley outside Jerusalem where some of the kings of Judah worshiped idols and performed human sacrifice by fire (2 Chr 28:3; 33:6; Jer 7:31; 32:35). The site was eventually destroyed by Josiah (2 Kgs 23:10). In the New Testament, Gehenna describes the place of punishment by God. Unless disciples have surpassing righteousness, they will not enter the Kingdom (Matt 5:20) but will be punished eternally (5:22; 23:33).
Matthew 5:29
Adultery
28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Grieving the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson5.3K47:08Holy SpiritGEN 6:3MAT 5:29MAT 18:8MRK 9:43ACT 5:1REV 2:16REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was on the verge of losing everything due to his addiction. Despite asking for prayer, he couldn't resist getting high before an important meeting and ended up losing his company. The preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping our hearts open to the Holy Spirit and avoiding corrupt communication, such as watching movies that take God's name in vain or engage in pornography. He warns that indulging in such behavior grieves the Holy Spirit and can lead to spiritual adultery and idolatry. The preacher also addresses the issue of sin and encourages individuals to turn to God for forgiveness rather than running away and waiting for judgment.
(Titus - Part 22): The Christian's Three Dimensional Life
By A.W. Tozer4.1K28:55TitusMAT 5:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and staying true to sound doctrine. He highlights the influence of righteous and godly men in the founding of the United States. The preacher encourages the audience to renounce their chains and embrace the limitless liberty and shining light of God. He concludes by mentioning that in the next sermon, he will discuss the Second Coming of Christ.
Little Sins
By C.H. Spurgeon2.4K38:55The Danger of SinSpiritual VigilanceGEN 19:20ISA 5:2DAN 6:10MAT 5:29C.H. Spurgeon, in his sermon 'Little Sins', emphasizes the deceptive nature of seemingly minor sins, arguing that they can lead to greater transgressions and ultimately spiritual ruin. He illustrates how even the most faithful individuals have recognized the danger of small sins, using biblical examples like Daniel and the Three Holy Children to show their commitment to righteousness. Spurgeon warns that little sins can multiply and create a barrier between believers and their relationship with God, urging listeners to take every sin seriously, regardless of its perceived size. He concludes by reminding the congregation that even the smallest sin can incur God's wrath and lead to eternal consequences, encouraging them to seek forgiveness through Christ. This powerful message serves as a call to vigilance against the subtle temptations of sin.
The Fire of Hell and the Fire of Love
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:05:26MAT 5:29REV 3:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving from a fear of punishment to a deep love for Jesus Christ in order to overcome sin. It discusses the two fires mentioned in the Bible - the fire of hell that can keep us from sinning out of fear, and the fire of fervent love for Jesus that motivates us to obey His commandments out of love. The sermon encourages believers to progress from the fear of punishment to a genuine love for Jesus, comparing it to moving from school to college spiritually.
Why Is There Hell
By Winkie Pratney2.0K1:07:30MAT 5:22MAT 5:29In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of receiving a message from God. He describes feeling a sense of annoyance and then suddenly receiving a message in his mind. The message is a warning about the consequences of indulging in worldly desires and actions. The preacher emphasizes that God will bring judgment upon those who do not heed this warning. He also discusses the importance of understanding and dealing with the temptations and challenges of the world through the anointing of God.
Self-Denial and Discipleship
By John Murray1.9K48:02Self-DenialPSA 24:3MAT 5:29MAT 6:33MAT 16:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring God and not compromising on His demands. He highlights the need for justice and honor in our lives, and warns against following sinful ways. The preacher also emphasizes the honesty and truthfulness of Jesus and how we should strive to emulate that in our own lives. The sermon is based on the Gospel of Matthew, specifically chapter 16 verse 24, where Jesus speaks about the coming judgment and the rewards that will be given according to one's actions.
Personal Holiness - Part 1
By William MacDonald1.9K39:33HolinessGEN 39:121SA 3:1PSA 101:3PSA 119:9PSA 119:37PRO 4:23MAT 5:29In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking resolute action and exercising strict control over certain aspects of our lives. He specifically mentions the need to control television and movies, as they can be associated with sin and lower our spiritual temperature. The speaker references Bible verses such as Psalm 101:3 and 1 Samuel 3:1 to support his argument. He also shares personal experiences of being raised in a home where movies were prohibited and highlights the story of Joseph as an example of taking decisive action to resist temptation.
The Christian Mindset - Part 1
By Art Katz1.9K1:24:31MindsetMAT 5:29In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing the existence of a real enemy, especially after crossing over from death to life through faith in Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the need to make others aware of this enemy and the secular solutions that people without this awareness rely on. The sermon critiques the idea of community-wide task forces as a solution to societal problems, highlighting the limitations of human efforts. The speaker asserts that the only way to truly address these issues is through the revelation of God's perspective and truth, which can only be known and shared by the church.
Get Rid of the Old Leaven
By Erlo Stegen1.5K1:08:12SinMAT 5:29In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of the declining standards in churches. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing sin to rule in our lives and urges listeners to purge out the old leaven. The speaker references Jesus' teachings about cutting off body parts that cause us to sin, highlighting the seriousness of avoiding temptation. He also mentions Job's covenant with his eyes as an example of taking proactive measures to avoid sin. The sermon concludes with a reminder to strive for unity and friendliness in every aspect of life.
What's Everybody Screaming About?
By Greg Locke7131:00:35MAT 5:29MAT 6:33MAT 10:28MAT 13:40MAT 13:49MAT 23:13LUK 16:19In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Harry Houdini, a famous escape artist, to illustrate a biblical truth. He describes how Houdini would perform daring escapes from a box submerged in water, captivating thousands of people. However, one day, Houdini failed to escape and was found dead in the box. The preacher then relates this story to a passage in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus speaks about the end of the world and the separation of the righteous and the wicked. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the final judgment and warns against living a life of sin.
Breaking Free of Porn
By Shane Idleman2952:14Pursuing HolinessBreaking Free from SinISA 53:5MAT 5:29JHN 8:36ROM 13:141CO 10:13GAL 5:16EPH 6:12PHP 4:13JAS 4:71PE 2:11Shane Idleman addresses the urgent need for the church to confront the issue of pornography and sin, emphasizing that casual Christianity is insufficient in the face of extreme spiritual attacks. He encourages believers to adopt an offensive stance against sin, utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve victory and pursue holiness. Shane highlights the importance of removing triggers for sin, being vigilant in spiritual warfare, and fostering a deep relationship with Christ to combat the pervasive influence of sin in our lives. He calls for accountability, practical steps to safeguard against temptation, and a commitment to holiness as essential for breaking free from the chains of sin. Ultimately, he reassures that through Christ, believers can find freedom and restoration from the burdens of guilt and shame.
Breaking Free of Pornography
By Shane Idleman2551:54Pursuing HolinessBreaking Free from SinMAT 5:29JHN 8:36ROM 13:142CO 10:4GAL 5:16EPH 6:12PHP 4:13JAS 4:71PE 2:111JN 1:9Shane Idleman addresses the urgent need for the church to confront the issue of pornography and sin, emphasizing that casual Christianity is insufficient in the face of extreme spiritual attacks. He encourages believers to adopt an offensive stance against sin, utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve victory and pursue holiness. Shane stresses the importance of removing triggers for sin, making no provision for the flesh, and actively seeking accountability and support. He highlights that true freedom comes from a deep relationship with Christ, where believers are filled with the Spirit and equipped to resist temptation. Ultimately, Shane calls for a serious commitment to holiness and a rejection of compromise in the Christian walk.
How to Respond to Global Crisis (Joel 2:12-17)
By Mike Bickle1759:40RepentancePrayerPSA 2:8PSA 103:10ISA 30:18EZK 33:11JOL 2:12MIC 7:18ZEP 2:3MAT 5:29HEB 7:25JAS 4:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of prayer and wholeheartedness in responding to global crises, drawing from Joel 2:12-17. He explains that God desires genuine repentance and intercession from His people, highlighting the dignity of free will and the impact of collective prayer on national and international events. Bickle encourages believers to gather in solemn assemblies, emphasizing that their choices can either invite blessings or open doors for judgment. He reassures that God's heart is gracious and merciful, always ready to relent from harm if His people turn to Him with sincerity. The sermon calls for a radical commitment to prayer and unity in seeking God's will during challenging times.
Temptations Must Be Put Away
By Charles Finney0Self-DenialTemptationMAT 5:29Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of removing temptations from our lives, even if they are lawful or important, as they can lead us into sin and spiritual bondage. He argues that if something causes us to stumble, it must be put away for our own good, as clinging to such things is tantamount to tempting God. Finney warns that allowing any form of temptation to dominate us can lead to eternal loss, and he calls for immediate action to sever ties with anything that hinders our relationship with God. He urges listeners to recognize the urgency of this decision, as procrastination can lead to dire spiritual consequences.
Matthew 5:29
By Chuck Smith0SinHolinessMAT 5:29ROM 8:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the serious nature of sin in his sermon on Matthew 5:29, illustrating that even the most precious things in our lives can lead us to sin and must be removed if they cause us to stumble. He teaches that sin is a matter of the heart, and we must recognize its consequences, understanding that our actions stem from our inner state. Smith stresses the importance of hating sin and striving for a pure heart, as well as the necessity of mortifying sin in our lives to protect our souls. He reminds us that nothing should come between us and our eternal destiny, urging believers to take drastic measures against sin.
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 18
By John Wesley0ForgivenessHumilityMAT 5:29MAT 6:14MAT 10:40MAT 16:19MAT 18:1MAT 19:14MRK 9:43LUK 17:3LUK 19:10John Wesley expounds on Matthew 18, emphasizing the necessity of humility and childlike faith to enter the kingdom of heaven. He warns against causing offenses and stresses the importance of addressing wrongs directly and privately, following Christ's prescribed steps for reconciliation. Wesley highlights God's care for the 'little ones' and the severe consequences of failing to forgive others, drawing a parallel between our forgiveness from God and our obligation to forgive others. He concludes with a powerful reminder of the weight of our offenses against God and the importance of genuine forgiveness in our relationships.
To Fear the Day of Judgment
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PSA 139:7PRO 4:23PRO 15:3MAT 5:29MAT 10:282CO 10:5St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the importance of fearing the Day of Judgment, being in dread of hell, and desiring eternal life with all the passion of the spirit. He emphasizes the need to keep death daily before one's eyes, to keep constant guard over the actions of one's life, and to know for certain that God sees one everywhere. St. Benedict also highlights the importance of immediately dashing evil thoughts against Christ, manifesting them to one's spiritual guardian, and guarding one's tongue against evil and depraved speech.
Mark 9:43 to End. Christ Warns His Disciples Against the Unquenchable Fire, and Never-Dying Worm.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PRO 16:18MAT 5:29MRK 9:35COL 3:5JAS 4:6Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of mortifying sinful desires in our hearts to avoid missing out on God's kingdom. He emphasizes the need to examine our hearts for worldly ambitions, pride, and selfish desires that hinder our spiritual growth. Mortifying these passions may be painful, but necessary to escape eternal consequences. By having the salt of God's grace in our hearts, we can experience peace and unity with one another, avoiding contention and destruction caused by sinful passions.
Luke 3:19, 20. John's Imprisonment.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PRO 29:25MAT 5:29MAT 14:5MRK 6:20ACT 5:29ROM 2:151CO 10:12HEB 4:121JN 1:91JN 3:20Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the last discourse of John the Baptist, focusing on the impact of John's preaching on Herod, who despite respecting and reforming parts of his conduct, refused to give up his sinful ways. Herod's actions highlight the struggle between worldly pleasures and eternal salvation, showcasing how one sin can lead to another. The imprisonment of John by Herod not only insulted God but hindered the spread of the gospel, emphasizing the grave consequences of hindering the proclamation of God's word. The fear of man and conscience restrained Herod from killing John, prompting reflection on the motives that drive our actions and the importance of seeking to please God in all things.
Lessons From the Past
By E.A. Adeboye0PRO 16:18DAN 6:3MAT 5:291CO 10:12PHP 3:13JAS 4:10E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of learning from past failures and successes to achieve future goals. He highlights the need to identify strengths, sustain them, and prevent future failures by understanding the reasons behind past mistakes. Using the example of Daniel, he illustrates how maintaining spiritual disciplines and virtues can lead to greater success in the future. Adeboye urges believers to make amends, cut off negative influences, and humbly acknowledge past successes to secure victories ahead.
They Have Their Exercise and Fruit in Christian Practice
By Jonathan Edwards0MAT 5:29Jonathan Edwards emphasizes the importance of gracious and holy affections being manifested through Christian practice, where one's behavior is consistently aligned with Christian principles, pursued diligently as the main focus of life, and persevered in until the end. He highlights the necessity for true Christians to be universally obedient, cutting off all sinful practices, and engaging in positive acts of faith and love. Edwards stresses the urgency of zeal and earnestness in serving God, comparing it to running a race or fighting a battle, and warns against slothfulness in the Christian walk, as it can be as damning as open rebellion.
The Besetting Sin (Heb. Xii: 1-4)
By Seth Rees0MAT 5:291CO 9:24PHP 3:13COL 3:52TI 4:7HEB 6:12HEB 12:11PE 1:6Seth Rees preaches on the heavenly race described in Hebrews 12:1-4, emphasizing the need to run with patience, looking unto Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. He highlights the importance of laying aside every weight and the inbred sin that easily besets us to run the Christian race credibly and win the prize. Rees stresses the necessity of being saved, sanctified, and continuously progressing in the race, enduring trials with patience and focusing on Jesus amidst challenges. He urges believers to consider the cloud of witnesses cheering us on and to eliminate anything hindering our spiritual progress to become strong men and women in the race.
You Can't Keep Both Eyes
By Elisabeth Elliot0MAT 5:291CO 10:13HEB 12:4JAS 4:71PE 5:8Elisabeth Elliot shares a powerful story of a young man delivered from drug abuse but tempted back, emphasizing the danger of allowing even a 'little bit' of sin in our lives. She highlights the importance of not excusing disobedience by using the word 'struggle' and the need to completely quit sinful habits rather than tolerate them. Just as Jesus warned about the seriousness of sin by urging to remove what causes stumbling, we are called to take drastic measures to avoid falling into the fires of hell.
Edition 11 - Good Tidings of Great Joy
By William Seymour0MAT 5:29LUK 14:26JHN 14:17ACT 2:4HEB 10:14William J. Seymour preaches about the powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the Apostolic Faith Movement, emphasizing the importance of sanctification and the baptism with the Holy Ghost. He highlights the need for repentance, obedience, and complete consecration to God, leading to a life of victory, glory, and nearness to Christ. The sermon focuses on the significance of the cross, bearing our individual crosses, and being willing to endure persecution for the sake of Christ. Through personal testimonies and biblical teachings, the message underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing holiness, love, and power to believers.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And if thy right eye--the readier and the dearer of the two. offend thee--be a "trap spring," or as in the New Testament, be "an occasion of stumbling" to thee. pluck it out and cast it from thee--implying a certain indignant promptitude, heedless of whatever cost to feeling the act may involve. Of course, it is not the eye simply of which our Lord speaks--as if execution were to be done upon the bodily organ--though there have been fanatical ascetics who have both advocated and practiced this, showing a very low apprehension of spiritual things--but the offending eye, or the eye considered as the occasion of sin; and consequently, only the sinful exercise of the organ which is meant. For as one might put out his eyes without in the least quenching the lust to which they ministered, so, "if thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light," and, when directed by a holy mind, becomes an "instrument of righteousness unto God." At the same time, just as by cutting off a hand, or plucking out an eye, the power of acting and of seeing would be destroyed, our Lord certainly means that we are to strike at the root of such unholy dispositions, as well as cut off the occasions which tend to stimulate them. for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell--He who despises the warning to cast from him, with indignant promptitude, an offending member, will find his whole body "cast," with a retributive promptitude of indignation, "into hell." Sharp language, this, from the lips of Love incarnate!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if thy right eye offend thee,.... Or "cause thee to offend", to stumble, and fall into sin. Our Lord has no regard here to near and dear relations seeking to alienate us from God and Christ, and hinder us in the pursuit of divine things; whose solicitations are to be rejected with the utmost indignation, and they themselves to be parted with, and forsaken, rather than complied with; which is the sense some give of the words: for both in this, and the following verse, respect is had only to the law of adultery; and to such members of the body, which often are the means of leading persons on to the breach of it; particularly the eye and hand. The eye is often the instrument of ensnaring the heart this way: hence the Jews have a (z) saying, "whoever looks upon women, at the end comes into the hands of transgression.'' Mention is only made of the right eye; not but that the left may be an occasion of sinning, as well as the right; but that being most dear and valuable, is instanced in, and ordered to be parted with: pluck it out, and cast it from thee: which is not to be understood literally; for no man is obliged to mutilate any part of his body, to prevent sin, or on account of the commission of it; this is no where required, and if done, would be sinful, as in the case of Origen: but figuratively; and the sense is, that persons should make a covenant with their eyes, as Job did; and turn them away from beholding such objects, which may tend to excite impure thoughts and desires; deny themselves the gratification of the sense of seeing, or feeding the eyes with such sights, as are graceful to the flesh; and with indignation and contempt, reject, and avoid all opportunities and occasions of sinning; which the eye may be the instrument of, and lead unto: for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. This is still a continuation of the figure here used; and the meaning is, that it will turn to better account, to lose all the carnal pleasures of the eye, or all those pleasing sights, which are grateful to a carnal heart, than, by enjoying them, to expose the whole man, body and soul, to everlasting destruction, in the fire of hell. (z) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 20. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:29-30 good eye . . . gouge it out . . . stronger hand . . . cut it off: These graphic images call for radical separation from sin. But even self-mutilation, radical as it would be, cannot stop a lustful mind. Jesus is calling for the surpassing righteousness that only he can bring. 5:29 hell (Greek Gehenna): Gehenna originally referred to a valley outside Jerusalem where some of the kings of Judah worshiped idols and performed human sacrifice by fire (2 Chr 28:3; 33:6; Jer 7:31; 32:35). The site was eventually destroyed by Josiah (2 Kgs 23:10). In the New Testament, Gehenna describes the place of punishment by God. Unless disciples have surpassing righteousness, they will not enter the Kingdom (Matt 5:20) but will be punished eternally (5:22; 23:33).