Definition: And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, 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 5:30. It's a pretty powerful message about our relationship with each other and how we treat others. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that if you consistently treat people badly or unkindly, it will ultimately harm your own well-being. It’s not just about minor offenses; it's about consistently choosing to be hurtful and disrespectful. Let’s unpack the parts: “And if thy right hand offend thee…” – This refers to your actions . It means if you’re consistently doing something that hurts or offends someone, it’s a sign of a problem. It's about your behavior. “…cut it off, and cast [it] from thee:” - This is a metaphorical instruction. "Cut it off" means to stop the harmful action. “Cast it from thee” means to get rid of it – to end the relationship or behavior that’s causing pain. “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 the most dramatic part. It's comparing your actions to a small part of yourself – your character . It says that if you consistently do wrong or hurtful things, it’s not good for you. It’s like a small part of you will suffer – maybe your peace of mind, your happiness, or even your spiritual well-being will be damaged. “Cast [it] into hell” means to end up in eternal punishment or separation from God. So, what does it all mean practically? It’s telling us that: Kindness and respect are important. Treating people with love and consideration is vital for your own happiness and spiritual health. We are responsible for our actions. The verse emphasizes that you have the power to choose how you treat others, and that choice has consequences. It’s not just about big offenses. It's not about just arguing or disagreeing. It’s about consistently being hurtful or disrespectful – even in small ways. In essence, this verse is a call for us to cultivate compassion and forgiveness, recognizing that our actions have repercussions, and striving to live a life of love and respect for everyone we encounter. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Matthew/3530](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Matthew/3530) The Bible Project: [https://thebibleproject.com/verses/3530](https://thebibleproject.com/verses/3530) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like me to relate it to a specific situation?