Definition: And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 9:45. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about Jesus’s power over sin and temptation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling someone (likely a young boy) to stop doing something that bothers them, and he’s suggesting it’s better to not do it at all than to risk being condemned to eternal punishment – hell. Let's unpack the parts: "And if thy foot offend thee..." : This is a general statement about causing trouble or discomfort. It means that something someone is doing is irritating them. "...cut it off:" : Jesus is suggesting they stop immediately. He’s offering a way to resolve the problem quickly. "...it is better for thee to enter halt into life..." : This is the core of the message. “Halt” means "stop." Entering life without two feet implies being completely lost and abandoned. It means you're not fully alive, you’re not part of God’s plan. "...than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:" : This is where it gets really dramatic. “Cast into hell” refers to eternal punishment – a place of suffering and separation from God. "The fire that never shall be quenched" symbolizes an endless torment. Jesus is saying that not doing something bad will prevent you from being forever trapped in this awful place. So, what's the big takeaway? It’s a warning against temptation and sin. It’s about recognizing that even small offenses can lead to significant consequences – eternal separation from God. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of obedience and staying on the righteous path. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a metaphor for the consequences of sin. It's not necessarily about physical wounds, but rather the spiritual harm caused by choosing wrong paths. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context (where this passage comes from)? Give some examples of how this verse applies to modern life?