Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 5:29. It’s a pretty dramatic statement, but it’s about focusing on what truly matters in our lives. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that our focus and attention should be entirely on the most important things – those that directly affect our relationship with God and our spiritual well-being. It’s warning us not to waste time or energy on trivial matters. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And if thy right eye offend thee…” : This refers to your own character and actions. It’s about recognizing when you are being unfair, unkind, or letting one thing negatively impact your life. Think of it like a single fault that’s causing trouble. “…pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee:” This is the key part. "Pluck it out" means to remove that offending behavior or attitude. “Cast it from thee” means to completely abandon it – to stop dwelling on it and letting it control you. “…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 a powerful metaphor. "One of thy members should perish..." This means your character – your thoughts, feelings, and actions – will suffer if you don’t address the issue. It's about losing your own spiritual peace and being consumed by negativity. "...and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." : This is a warning about the consequences of not addressing this problem. “Hell” represents eternal separation from God, suffering, and ultimately, death. It's saying that if you don’t take care of yourself – if you let your negative thoughts and actions control you – you will end up in a place where you’re not truly alive or happy. In essence, the verse is urging us to: Be mindful of our own behavior. Don't waste time on things that don't matter. Focus your energy on what's truly important – God and spiritual growth. Why is this a message for Christians? The verse speaks directly to the importance of self-control, righteousness, and living a life pleasing to God. It’s about prioritizing our relationship with Him over everything else. Important Note: This is a very symbolic and metaphorical passage. The "pluck it out" part isn't meant literally – it's an encouragement to consciously choose to let go of negativity and harmful thoughts. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of things that might be considered “offending” your character? Connect this verse to a specific principle or story?