Send
Close Add comments:
(status displays here)
Got it! This site "creationpie.com" uses cookies. You consent to this by clicking on "Got it!" or by continuing to use this website. Note: This appears on each machine/browser from which this site is accessed.
Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
1. Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
2. Sermon on the Mount : Matthew 5:1-20
 |
Matthew 5
17. Not come to reside in the law
18. Jots and tittles of the law
19. Birdhouse rules
20. Birdhouse righteousness
|
|
 |
3. Build
Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [kjv]
εαν ουν προσφερης το δωρον σου επι το θυσιαστηριον κακει μνησθης οτι ο αδελφος σου εχει τι κατα σου [gnt]
5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. [kjv]
αφες εκει το δωρον σου εμπροσθεν του θυσιαστηριου και υπαγε πρωτον διαλλαγηθι τω αδελφω σου και τοτε ελθων προσφερε το δωρον σου [gnt]
4. Bigger more complete picture
Thinking: oaths, head and hairs, yes-yes no-no
Doing: turn the cheek, walk the mile, loan, etc.
Loving: enemies (as neighbors)
Acting: not doing it, doing it
Praying: asking (not doing it). Lord's Prayer
...
5. Build summary and verse structure
1 Passive
2 Active
3 Divorced
4 Passive
5 Active
6 Divorced
7 Model
Here is a summary build of the progression. The verse structure is as follows.
Matthew 5:27-32: adultery/separation
primary literal meaning of man and woman.
secondary (intended) meaning Christ and church, etc.
Verse groups:
27-28. Passive desire (potential adultery in the mind).
29-30. Active desire rejected/blocked
31-32. Active desire accepted/separated (actualized adultery in reality)
6. Revelation 18:1-24 Cagey birds and the end of Babylon
Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [kjv]
και εκραξεν εν ισχυρα φωνη λεγων επεσεν επεσεν βαβυλων η μεγαλη και εγενετο κατοικητηριον δαιμονιων και φυλακη παντος πνευματος ακαθαρτου και φυλακη παντος ορνεου ακαθαρτου και μεμισημενου [gnt]
In Revelation 18, "
Babylon" the
"great" is described as a
"hold" or "
"cage" or
"watch" or
"prison" of every
"unclean" "
spirit" and of every
"unclean" and "
hateful" type of
"bird".
In Matthew 7, the house built on sand will be "
cut off" will have a
"great" "fall" (same exact Greek words).
☐ Are the
fowl (
unclean) spirits and
birds in
"cages" being
"watched"?
☐ Are those in the
"watch" or
"prison" being
"watched" by the
fowl (
unclean) spirits and
birds?
7. Matthew 7:24,26 House built on sand
8. Matthew 7:25,27 House built on sand
House on
rock of Christ:
Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [kjv]
και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεπεσαν τη οικια εκεινη και ουκ επεσεν τεθεμελιωτο γαρ επι την πετραν [gnt]
House on
sand of man:
7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]
και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη [gnt]
The "
rain", "
rivers" and "
wind"
"falls" on the "
house" built on the "
rock". However, the "
rain", "
rivers" and "
wind"
"cut off" (different word) the "
house" built on "
sand". The ancient Greek word
"προσκόπτω" ≈ "cut towards/off". The "
house" is
"cut off". Perhaps they "
cut off" themselves as in separating themselves from the love of Christ - as the lost sheep that goes on the mountain.
9. Matthew 7:27 House built on sand
Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]
και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη [gnt]
The "
house" built on "
rock" does
not "fall". However, the "
house" built on "
sand" is
"cut off" and has a
"great" (size or number)
"fall". The ancient Greek word
"πτῶσις" ≈ "falling" and, in grammar, is a case or inflection. The ancient Greek word
"πίπτω" ≈ "fall". A related word is
"πτωχός" ≈ "beggar" and means, literally, one who has fallen. Jesus often refers to the
"poor" as those who are
"fallen" and need the
"Gospel" or
"Good News" which is the source of the English word
"evangelical".
Might there be a play on words of the "
great"
"fall" with the "
many" or "
city" in the (false) "
house" on the "
mountain" following the (false) "
light" who need the
"Good News" but, due to "
birds" and "
pigs" (who work for the "
birds") get
"cut off" and never got to hear (or were misled about) that
"Good News"?
10. Traditions from Babel to Pergamus to Rome
Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [kjv]
και τω αγγελω της εν περγαμω εκκλησιας γραψον ταδε λεγει ο εχων την ρομφαιαν την διστομον την οξειαν [gnt]
Many customs originated from the Tower of Babel and Babylon which then went to
Pergamus and then to Rome and then to the rest of the world.
Sunset to sunset: Hebrews, Germanic cultures. (Christmas Eve)
Midnight to midnight: Greece, Rome.
|
|
Spring (renewal, planting, Easter)
Summer (growing)
Fall (harvest, fruit, Halloween)
Winter (Saturnalia, Christmas, Hanukkah)
|
[linguistic connections, papyrus vs. parchment, underground pipes]
Some people went north and west, as ended the Germanic tribes with customs of the winter solstice tree.
The Greek for "
two edged sword" means, literally, "
two mouthed sword" as in "
let my sword do the talking".
11. Matthew 5:29
KJV: 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.
Greek: ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν
12. Matthew 5:30
KJV: 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.
Greek: και ει η δεξια σου χειρ σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτην και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν απελθη
13. Matthew 5:27-28 Overview
Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [kjv]
5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. [kjv]
[He's looking at me! Bad jokes.]
This verse is from the man's point of view (e.g., groom, Jesus, God). The next verse requires one to switch to the woman's point of view (e.g., bride, Church, Israel).
Passive adultery can (with high probability) move to
active adultery. [making crude comments in a humerus way]. Initiating
active adultery (without overt force) involves
seduction,
deception,
entrapment, etc.
14. Matthew 5:29-30 Overview
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
5:30 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. [kjv]
The previous verse was from the man's point of view (e.g., groom, Jesus, God). This verse requires one to switch to the woman's point of view (e.g., bride, Church, Israel).
One reaction of the woman is to
block or
reject such advances.
15. Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [kjv]
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]
The verse pairs in
Matthew 5:29-30 and
18:8-9 are similar in that they talk about
plucking out eyes as members of the body and cutting off
hands and
feet rather than being cast into "
hell" or "
everlasting" "
fire". Are we "
better together"? Is there "
strength in numbers"? Do we need to "
protect each other's reputation"? Do we need to "
have each other's back"?
Matthew 5: "eye", "hand" ("right" only, just "disciples")
Matthew 18: "eye", "hand", "foot" (no restriction to "right", entire "church")
This similarity appears to connect the two passages but there are some differences. Understanding one pair may help in understanding the other pair.
Paul in
1 Corinthians 12 talks of eyes as members of the body of the church. Is there a connection to the verses in Matthew?
16. Members and hell fire
1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [kjv]
καθαπερ γαρ το σωμα εν εστιν και μελη πολλα εχει παντα δε τα μελη του σωματος πολλα οντα εν εστιν σωμα ουτως και ο χριστος [gnt]
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν [gnt]
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]
και ει ο οφθαλμος σου σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν μονοφθαλμον εις την ζωην εισελθειν η δυο οφθαλμους εχοντα βληθηναι εις την γεενναν του πυρος [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"μέλος" ≈ "member" as in a part of a body.
17. Apple of the eye
Psalms 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, [kjv]
φυλαξον με ως κοραν οφθαλμου εν σκεπη των πτερυγων σου σκεπασεις με [lxx]
The
"eye" is a "
chamber" into which
"light" enters and is recognized by the "
brain" as something - such as an object. The eye is a "
sensor", in contrast to a "
transducer".
In Greek, the word for
"eye" is, literally, an "
opening" into a "
chamber" (heart, brain, etc.) and is the source of the English word
"ophthalmologist".
The ancient Greek word
"ὀφθαλμός" ≈ "eye" and appears to come from two Greek words.
"ὀπή" ≈ "opening, hole, hollow" and is from the same root as the ancient Greek word "ὄμμα" ≈ "eye" often in a poetic sense.
"θάλαμος" ≈ "chamber, room".
18. Apples
Psalms 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, [kjv]
φυλαξον με ως κοραν οφθαλμου εν σκεπη των πτερυγων σου σκεπασεις με [lxx]
Our visual senses start with how light comes into the eye. In Bible times, the "
pupil" was known as the "
apple of the eye".
The Hebrew for "
apple of the eye" means a little man/girl as reflected in the pupil of the eye. Eye is "
עַיִן". Girl is "
בת".
19. Sensors and transducers
|
|
A sensor detects and is passive.
A transducer does things and is active.
|
|
The eye is used to sense the external environment and, sometimes, to flirt using non-verbal communication with others.
|
|
The hand is used to acquire and manipulate things that may or may not be needed.
|
|
The foot is used to go places and transport things, including self.
|
20. Sensors and transducers
The "eyes" are sensors that sense the external environment. Eyes can "flirt" which is a brain to brain interaction.
The "hands" and "feet" are transducers that both receive sensory input and can be used to do things.
Here we will concentrate mostly on the "
eye". So "
open your eyes" so "
you can see".
21. Matthew 5:29 Body parts and animals
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν [gnt]
|
eye/leader
|
hand/muscle
|
foot/walk
|
hair (strand)
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
heaven/air
|
land/earth
|
sea/world
|
land/earth
|
Jesus is the
true head.
Models are more than just
opinion.
Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful. George Box, Statistician.
22. Revelation 18:2 Cagey birds
Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [kjv]
και εκραξεν εν ισχυρα φωνη λεγων επεσεν επεσεν βαβυλων η μεγαλη και εγενετο κατοικητηριον δαιμονιων και φυλακη παντος πνευματος ακαθαρτου και φυλακη παντος ορνεου ακαθαρτου και μεμισημενου [gnt]
In Revelation, Babylon is described as a
"watch" of every "
unclean" and "
hateful" type of
"bird". Are they
"watching" those in the
"watch"?
Some Greek manuscripts add a "
beast" as a
land animal.
In Matthew 7, the house built on sand will be "
cut off" and
"fall".
23. Revelation 18:2 Bird watching
Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [kjv]
και εκραξεν εν ισχυρα φωνη λεγων επεσεν επεσεν βαβυλων η μεγαλη και εγενετο κατοικητηριον δαιμονιων και φυλακη παντος πνευματος ακαθαρτου και φυλακη παντος ορνεου ακαθαρτου και μεμισημενου [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"φυλάσσω" ≈ "watch" is related to
"φυλακή" ≈ "watch, prison". The
KJV (King James Version) translates the same word as
"hold" and then
"cage" and takes a viewpoint on who is
"watching" and who is being
"watched".
Discuss: How might the world be a "
cage" or "
watch" for a believer?
The Greek word for "cage" is that of a "prison" as in something that is "watched".
The Greek word for "bird" is not the word used in Matthew but is that of "fowl", as used by John, or "hen", as used in Matthew and Luke.
24. Revelation 18:3 Fornication and merchants
Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. [kjv]
οτι εκ του οινου του θυμου της πορνειας αυτης πεπτωκαν παντα τα εθνη και οι βασιλεις της γης μετ αυτης επορνευσαν και οι εμποροι της γης εκ της δυναμεως του στρηνους αυτης επλουτησαν [gnt]
The Greek for
"nations" is that of
"peoples". The Greek for
"all" is
plural so there may be exceptions. Might the
"all" be the
wide area while the exceptions be those in the
narrow gate?
The ancient Greek word
"πορνεία" ≈ "fornication, prostitution". Adding
"γράφω" ≈ "write, depict" is the source of the English word
"pornography", which some shorten to "
porn".
Those
"merchants" appear to be connected with the kingdom parable of the
"pearl" of great price. Those
"merchants", as a business opportunity, have "
sold"
everything to obtain
one "pearl".
25. No monkey business
The
aye-aye is a long-fingered lemur (not a monkey) found in Madagascar. It has rodent-like teeth that never stop growing (that's the tooth) and a special thin middle finger.
Captain to sailor: Name a species of lemur.
Sailor: Aye-aye captain.
26. Matthew 6:22-23 Aye aye
Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. [kjv]
ο λυχνος του σωματος εστιν ο οφθαλμος εαν ουν η ο οφθαλμος σου απλους ολον το σωμα σου φωτεινον εσται [gnt]
6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness ! [kjv]
The English word
"aye" comes from the idea of "
ever" or "
always" as opposed to "
nay" which comes from the idea of "
not" or "
no".
Jesus uses the code word of the
"eye" to refer to a "
leader".
The "
leader" will always want you to say "
aye aye" and agree with them.
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full. (from the children's poem
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool.)
27. One or two eyes
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]
So "
open your eyes" so "
you can see".
28. Randy Travis
When some people hear "
amen" or "
forever and ever, amen" they think of the song by the same name written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz and made popular by the March 1987 recording by country music artist Randy Travis.
[amen, verily, truly, verily-verily, truly-truly]
Before looking at the verses, let us do some background on the hand, eye, foot, etc.
29. Song: Open my eyes that I may see
Psalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. [kjv]
… עיני … [he]
αποκαλυψον τους οφθαλμους μου και κατανοησω τα θαυμασια σου εκ του νομου σου [lxx]
The hymn "
Open my eyes that I may see" was based on Psalms 119:18. Additional verses cover the
"ears", "
mouth" and "
mind".
It was written in 1895 by
Clara Scott (American composer) . Growing up on a farm in the mid-west, the family moved to Chicago. She was the first woman to publish a volume of anthems. In 1897, returning from a funeral with some friends, she was thrown from her carriage and died instantly from the accident at age 55.
[hymn 486]
30. Verse 1
Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
31. Verses
Let us now look at the somewhat similar verses in Matthew 5 and (some from) Matthew 18 that deal with the "
hand", "
eye" and "
foot". Here we will concentrate mostly on the "
eye".
Keep in mind that the "
offend" meant to set a snare or trap, later a "
stumbling block" and not the modern English definition of "
offend". The Greek word become the English word
"scandal", again with meaning changes over time.
32. Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend
Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he, who soever shall not be offended in me. [kjv]
και μακαριος εστιν ος αν μη σκανδαλισθη εν εμοι [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"σκάνδαλον" ≈ "trap, snare" as in
entice,
tempt, etc. Jesus is speaking in Matthew 11:6.
The Greek word
"blessed" here means
"happy". The
"offended" means
"entrapped" as in being
"tricked" or
"deceived". Or is it? How could someone be
"deceived" by Jesus? How could someone be "
deceived" by themselves or someone else about what Jesus really means?
A simple
idiom as
"misinterpret" may explain this and other verses in the
GNT (Greek New Testament).
33. Eight-way pun
Here is a pun I created in the late 1980's. It has
3 words that can each have
2 meanings.
Would you take offense to a roaming shepherd?
Would you take offense to a Roman shepherd?
Would you take a fence to a roaming shepherd?
Would you take a fence to a Roman shepherd?
Would a Jew take offense to a roaming shepherd?
Would a Jew take offense to a Roman shepherd?
Would a Jew take a fence to a roaming shepherd?
Would a Jew take a fence to a Roman shepherd?
As with puns of this type, one needs to slide the pronunciation to between the two choices at each point to achieve a better effect.
34. Matthew 5:39 Right cheek
Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
Most people are right-handed. If you hit with your right hand, it is easiest to hit the
left cheek/jawbone. To hit the
right cheek/jawbone may be more of a
slap or
backhand than a hit. There may be a play on words here between the sounds of "
ks" and "
sk".
"δεξιά" ≈ "right (hand side)" (feminine)
"δε" ≈ "but (not)" and "σκιά" ≈ "shadow".
English: right
Greek: δεξιά
Greek: δε σκιά
English: but not (even a) shadow
Jesus appears to have used a similar play on words back in verse 13 about the "
salt" being "
ineffective" or "
not strong" or "
not even a shadow".
35. Matthew 5:29 Eyes that entrap
The discourse and verses in Matthew 5 appear to be concerned with individuals and how they relate to others in some external environment. The meaning of "
body" is important.
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν [gnt]
The
"right" as in
"right" "eye" or
"right" "hand" is a play on words where
"right" is a play on words of "
but a shadow of".
if a but a shadow of an eye entraps you ...
if a but a shadow of a hand entraps you ...
36. Matthew 5:30 Hands that entrap
Matthew 5:30 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. [kjv]
και ει η δεξια σου χειρ σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτην και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου εις γεενναν απελθη [gnt]
The Greek words for
"hand", (young)
"pig" and
"worse" can act as play on words since they would have sounded somewhat similar.
"χείρ" ≈ "hand" and the first part of the English word "chiropractor".
"χοῖρον" ≈ "young pig, swine" (accusative case) from "χοῖρος" ≈ "young pig, swine".
"χεῖρον" ≈ "worse in quality, inferior" (accusative case) from "χείρων" ≈ "worse".
if the but a shadow of a hand entraps you ...
if the but a shadow of a pig entraps you ...
if the but a shadow of (something) worse entraps you ...
37. For your eyes only
For brevity, one can look at the
"eye" and leave the
"hand" and "
foot" for later, a
feat that is
handy.
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν [gnt]
Should one literally pluck out their eye and cast it away? Do I have you "
hooked" on something that seems "
fishy"?
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]
και ει ο οφθαλμος σου σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν μονοφθαλμον εις την ζωην εισελθειν η δυο οφθαλμους εχοντα βληθηναι εις την γεενναν του πυρος [gnt]
38. Body, members and life
Matthew 5: The body here appears to refer to the physical person but the eye appears to refer to an external entity that tempts or ensnares the individual.
Matthew 18: The life here appears to be the life of the church and the body of the church (e.g., a kingdom of heaven on earth) is better without members of the body that are tempting or ensnaring others in the group
39. Literal or figurative
Should one literally pluck out their eye and cast it away? Do I have you "
hooked" on something that seems "
fishy"?
The Greek word is the word for "
cast out" and is often used for the casting out of
demons.
Should one figuratively (in the mind) keep that which would tempt one into sin from getting into the eye? Let us investigate.
40. Eye build
1 Eye cutout 1
2 Eye cutout 2
3 Eye cutout 3
4 Hand cutout 1
5 Hand cutout 2
6 Hand cutout 3
One can still
think without the eyes.
The eyes are just a input transducer. Sin starts in the "
heart".
Blind people see with brains though touch. Deaf people, like Beethoven late in life, can hear with their brains.
In a dream, one sees things that can appear real, but the eye is not being used (though there may be eye movement).
41. Eyes: step 1
Suppose one is living in sin and suppose it is because of the "
right eye". One can "
pluck it out" or "
cast it out".
42. Eyes: step 2
Is it getting any better? One can still see with the "
left eye". Suppose one continues living in sin and suppose it is now because of the "
left eye". One can "
pluck it out" or "
cast it out".
43. Eyes: step 3
Is it getting any better?
One should now be happy, but not much has changed. And now, without eyes, one is a liability instead of an asset to help with the Lord's work. Perhaps we have the wrong idea about what is being said.
Do people ever "
misinterpret" what Jesus is saying? Have people ever literally plucked out their eye, etc. Are they snared or entrapped by Jesus or by what think Jesus said? False teachers make the situation worse.
44. Galatians 4:15 Paul
This "
plucking out" or "
casting out" is different (and a different Greek word) than Paul uses in Galatians 4:15.
Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. [kjv]
που ουν ο μακαρισμος υμων μαρτυρω γαρ υμιν οτι ει δυνατον τους οφθαλμους υμων εξορυξαντες εδωκατε μοι [gnt]
The Greek word is "
gouge out" as in mining ore and has the source of the English word
"ore" in it.
From this and other passages, it is inferred that Paul had a physical vision issue and
not a theological vision issue.
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
45. Galatians 4:15
KJV: Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
Greek: τις που ουν ην ο μακαρισμος υμων μαρτυρω γαρ υμιν οτι ει δυνατον τους οφθαλμους υμων εξορυξαντες αν εδωκατε μοι
46. Strongs - gouge out
- *G1846 *0 ἐξορύσσω (ex-or-oos'-so) : from G1537 and G3736; to dig out, i.e. (by extension) to extract (an eye), remove (roofing):--break up, pluck out.
- εξορυξαντες *2
- Mark 2:4 ... he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed ...
- Galatians 4:15 ... that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
47. Sin
Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: [kjv]
εκ γαρ της καρδιας εξερχονται διαλογισμοι πονηροι φονοι μοιχειαι πορνειαι κλοπαι ψευδομαρτυριαι βλασφημιαι [gnt]
According to Jesus, sin starts in the
"heart" or "
brain" and not in the
"eye",
"hand", "
foot", etc. The Greek for "
thoughts" is that of "
logical calculation". The Greek for "
evil" is that of "
oppression" (of
others and/or
yourself).
The
"eye" is a
sensor that passes the visual signal along. Removing the eye is like "
shooting the messenger" who brought a message that is not desired.
48. Shoot the messenger
49. Pluck out the eye
Do you see the relationship of "
shoot the messenger" with "
kill the true prophet" with "
pluck out the eye"?
What is the difference between the following?
1.
Remove your physical right eye so you cannot see out of that right eye. What about the left eye? If you remove that, does your brain create images that could still cause you to be tempted? What about your ear? And so on.
2.
Remove that temptation from your eye at the source. This can be done and would be more effective.
50. Diet example
An example from the area of dieting might be useful. Suppose you really like
chocolate but you should not have it (diet, weight, etc.). Here are some options.
1.
Remove your tongue so you cannot taste, your nose so you cannot smell, your eye so you cannot see, etc.
2.
Hide the chocolate in the pantry so you do not see it. You can still
think about it.
3.
Do not have chocolate in the house and, using your mind, do not buy it at the store.
When one encounters a problem, one should find the
root cause of the problem and address that root cause. Are we getting anywhere to solving the root problem? What is the
root problem? Otherwise, you may be in for a
root awakening.
If the eye is the messenger and not the message and is not causing sin, then what might be the root cause of the sin issue?
51. Possible solutions
Here are some Biblical solutions to deal with that tendency to sin.
Flee temptation: Joseph fleeing Potiphar's wife is one example.
Avoid temptation: From the Lord's prayer to not be led into temptation.
|
|
Details are left as a future topic.
|
Nullify the temptation such that it does not exist (in the same tempting form).
52. Repeated analogy
The analogy of the "eye" is now repeated with the "hand".
Let us look at the same sequence for the "hand" that was presented for the "eye".
53. Hand: step 1
The right hand is causing sin, so chop it off.
54. Hand: step 2
That did not solve the problem. The left hand is causing sin, so chop it off.
55. Hand: step 3
That did not solve the problem. What is left to chop off?
56. Repetition
Unless there is something special about the "
eye" and the "
hand", one could repeat the analogy with the "
leg", "
ears", "
brain", "
heart", etc., until there is nothing left.
57. Romans 3:23 All have sinned
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
If sinners were not allowed in church, there would be no one allowed in church.
The Greek here for
"all" is
plural which means there may be
exceptions. Who might be an exception?
The ancient Greek word
"ἁμαρτία" ≈ "error, mistake, fault, sin" as in, literally,
"not a witness". The Greek for
"glory" is that of
"opinion". Anything that is
"not a witness" for God
"falls short" or
"lags behind" of God's
"opinion" or
"expectation".
In logical reasoning, one should not universally quantify something without specifying the domain to which it applies and how it applies. The "
for all" would appear to refer to "
men" who are not "
God" (as in "
Jesus").
Paraphrase: For all have not been a (good) witness (of God) and not approached the opinion of God
58. Romans 3:23 Glory of God
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
Do we need to come up to the
"glory" of God? Perhaps a pastor could help us with that seemingly unattainable quest.
"υστερούντα" ≈ "lag behind, be late".
"δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation".
Paraphrase: All (with possible exceptions) have not been a (good) witness (for God) and have lagged behind the opinion/expectation of God.
It appears we do not have to reach the level of God. God has an
expectation/opinion of where we should be and we are
lagging behind that
expectation/opinion. This appears to be in line with Eastern Orthodox thought.
59. Root cause
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
omnes enim peccaverunt … egent gloriam … [v]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
A possible root cause of "
sin" is "
genetics". We are born with that tendency.
The goal is not to be "
sinless" but to "
sin" less.
[HIV-positive vs. SIN-positive]
60. Offending hand, foot, etc.
The next few verses deal with a member that offends.
These verses are one after the other in Matthew but are often covered separately and out of context.
A protocol for handling church members that sin or offend (ensnare) other members to sin, is covered elsewhere in Matthew 18.
|
|
Details are left as a future topic.
|
61. Matthew 5:29 Expediency
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"συμφέρω" ≈ "bring together, work with, to be carried along with" and comes from two words.
The prefix "συν" ≈ "with" or "συμ" ≈ "with" as in the English words "synergy" or "symphony".
The word "φέρω" ≈ "bring, carry, bear" and is related to the English word "bear" (as in carrying something).
This word has a
positive connotation. A word from this word is the ancient Greek word
"συμφορά" ≈ "bringing together"as in an "
event" or "
circumstance" but is rarely in a good sense and thus has a negative
connotation.
62. Little ones
In the actual physical context, the "
little ones" are children. This type of reference, however, is often used for "
new believers" and not just small children.
The "
better" in the following verse is the "
better together" as in "
carry on" or "
carry with" in that a counter-factual argument is being made.
63. Skin colors
Skin colors are mentioned in the song.
Try getting skin colors out of
green,
blue,
magenta or
cyan.
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world;
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in his sight, ...
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
64. Matthew 5
The phrase "
eye candy" refers to something that catches the attention of the eye but provides no useful information content for the message being conveyed. Would you rap (wrap) eye candy?
Let us now go back (in chapters, now that we have covered this above) and look at "
lust" in Matthew 5:28-31 which has ideas in common with the above discussion.
Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. [kjv]
Discuss: Can a man look on his wife to "
lust" after her?
[Dr. Dobson, video vs. text]
65. Matthew 5:28
KJV: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Greek: εγω δε λεγω υμιν οτι πας ο βλεπων γυναικα προς το επιθυμησαι αυτης αυτην ηδη εμοιχευσεν αυτην εν τη καρδια αυτου
Tyndale: But I say vnto you that whosoeuer looketh on a wyfe lustynge after her hathe comitted advoutrie with hir alredy in his hert.
66. Lust and the mind
Notice that the adultery starts in the heart (or mind) and not in the eyes, which are just the transducers to get visual input into the brain. As such, the eyes are the messenger and not the message.
Discussion question: Can a woman (or man) create an environment that leads to the entrapment or snaring of an individual that would not otherwise be entrapped or ensnared? If so, how might this be avoided. Keep in mind that this involves a person interacting with an external environment over which he or she may not have full control.
67. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Members of the body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [kjv]
καθαπερ γαρ το σωμα εν εστιν και μελη πολλα εχει παντα δε τα μελη του σωματος πολλα οντα εν εστιν σωμα ουτως και ο χριστος [gnt]
Paul uses the analogy of a body part as a member in relation to a member of a church as a gathering of believers.
Paul elaborates on this concept in verses 12 to 27. He then continues with the analogy.
68. Members
In 1 Corinthians 12:12 and following, Paul elaborates on the parts of the body being an analogy to the members of the church as the body of Christ.
In this passage, he does not specifically mention "
cutting" off members for the good of the body.
What are some reasons why this may not have been mentioned by Paul in this passage?
How might omitting such content have clouded the message of Paul?
69. Discussion
Suppose that plucking out eyes and cutting off hands and feet refer to temptations and snares and, in the church body, members of that church body.
Discussion question: What are some reasons why the religious establishment might not want to talk about removing members such as church leaders (eyes) or other church members (hands and feet)?
70. Review: The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [kjv]
Matthew 5:29 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. [kjv]
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]
If someone, such as a "
bird" or "
leader" or "
eye" tries to "
entrap" or "
deceive" you, you need to find a way to "
block" or "
resist".
If someone, such as a "
pig" or "
hand" or "
muscle" tries to "
entrap" or "
deceive" you, you need to find a way to "
block" or "
resist".
You are
not "
better together". You are "
better with Christ".
71. Matthew 5:31-32 Cutout the adultery and divorce
Matthew 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: [kjv]
5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. [kjv]
The
KJV translates as
"cause" and
"causeth" the Greek words that do
not mean "
cause".
One reaction is to
allow or
accept such advances. This is
fornication. The
husband can then
divorce or
separate from or
put away the
woman. The
man who then
marries the
woman commits
active adultery as does the
woman.
72. Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head - yes no
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]
5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. [kjv]
Here we look at the
"head" and the
"hairs". The
"oaths" and
"swearing" are covered separately.
73. End of page
