Definition: Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:8. It's a really important and thought-provoking passage about forgiveness and relationships. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that any kind of hurtful or offensive action – whether it’s a word, an action, or even a thought – can be a problem if it constantly hurts someone else. It suggests that we need to address these issues quickly and decisively. Let's unpack the parts: “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee…” - This means any kind of action, no matter how small, can be a problem if it bothers you. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about acknowledging that something is hurting someone else. Think of it like a little prick – it might not be big, but it still hurts. “…cut them off, and cast [them] from thee…” - This is the key instruction. If you feel hurt by someone's actions or words, immediately and firmly remove that person from your life. "Cut them off" means to stop interacting with them. "Cast them from thee" means to leave them behind – to end the relationship. “it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed…” - This part emphasizes the outcome . It’s not about avoiding the hurt entirely, but about making a conscious choice to protect your own well-being and to live a full life. "Halt" means to stop; “maimed” means damaged or crippled – it's better to stop being affected by this offense than to suffer permanent damage to yourself. "...rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire." - This is the most powerful part. "Everlasting fire" represents eternal punishment or separation from God. It’s not about a literal fire, but it symbolizes being forever excluded from Heaven and God's love. It suggests that continuing to allow this hurt to persist will lead to a very painful and ultimately lost existence. In essence, the verse is teaching us: Take Responsibility: You are accountable for your actions. Don’t Ignore Hurt: It’s crucial to address problems when they arise. Prioritize Your Well-being: Protecting yourself from suffering is essential. Choose a Path of Healing: It's better to end the relationship than to be perpetually damaged by it. Why is this verse important? Jesus uses this parable to illustrate that forgiveness is not always easy, but it’s ultimately necessary for our spiritual well-being. It highlights the importance of taking care of ourselves and not allowing negativity to control our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give some examples of situations where this principle might apply? Talk about how this verse relates to other Bible stories?