Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 9:47. It's a pretty intense and thought-provoking passage about focusing your attention and seeking God’s will. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling someone (likely a disciple or follower) to immediately stop being bothered by something that bothers them – their eye. He’s suggesting it’s better to focus on the good things of God and ultimately enter into eternal life with him, rather than continuing to dwell in suffering and negativity. Let's unpack it word-by-word: "And if thine eye offend thee..." : This is a very direct statement about feeling upset or bothered by something. It’s saying "something is bothering you." "...pluck it out:" : This is the shocking part! Jesus is offering to remove this bothersome thing, literally removing the eye. "it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye..." : This is the key part. He’s suggesting that continuing to dwell on this annoyance will lead you further away from God and his Kingdom. “Entering the kingdom of God” means being reunited with God and experiencing eternal peace and joy. "...than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:" : This is a powerful metaphor. It compares it to being thrown into eternal torment – "hell fire." It's not just about having an eye; it’s about being lost forever, condemned to suffer eternally. Overall Meaning and Interpretation: Jesus isn’t saying that you should constantly be bothered by things. He’s saying that focusing your attention on the good and right thing is crucial for a fulfilling life. It's a call to prioritize God and his Kingdom above all else, even when facing difficult situations. It emphasizes that true happiness and peace come from aligning yourself with God’s will and seeking him as your ultimate goal. Why it's significant: This verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history: Focus on Spiritual Truth: Many believe it highlights the importance of spiritual focus – dwelling on things like prayer, scripture, and good works - rather than getting caught up in worldly concerns. The Importance of Obedience: It underscores the idea that obedience to God’s will is essential for salvation and eternal life. In short, this verse urges us to choose a path of righteousness and seek God's kingdom above all else. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to explore: The historical context of this passage? How it relates to the story of Adam and Eve (it’s often interpreted as a metaphor for our own eyes)?