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Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640


1. Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out

2. Sermon on the Mount : Matthew 5:1-20
Groups 5:17. Not come to reside in the law
5:18. Jots and tittles of the law
5:19. Birdhouse rules
5:20. Birdhouse righteousness
7:21. Not everyone will enter
7:22 Many works will not count
7:23 I never knew you. Depart !
Adultery 1

[7 RC + 7 KP + 7 B + 7 + 7 = 35 ARMS, plus more]

Information sign More: Sermon on the Mount connections

3. Matthew 5:23-24 Gift at the alter
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Verse routeMatthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [kjv]
Verse routeεαν ουν προσφερης το δωρον σου επι το θυσιαστηριον κακει μνησθης οτι ο αδελφος σου εχει τι κατα σου [gnt]
Verse route5:24 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]
Verse routeαφες εκει το δωρον σου εμπροσθεν του θυσιαστηριου και υπαγε πρωτον διαλλαγηθι τω αδελφω σου και τοτε ελθων προσφερε το δωρον σου [gnt]



Information sign More: Matthew 5:23-24 Alterated gifts

4. Bigger more complete picture
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5. Build summary and verse structure
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 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 Verse groups:

6. Revelation 18:1-24 Cagey birds and the end of Babylon
Verse routeRevelation 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]
Verse routeκαι 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]

Cage Sphere
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).

7. Matthew 7:24,26 House built on sand
Verse routeMatthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [kjv]
Verse routeπας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την πετραν [gnt]

Verse route7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [kjv]
Verse routeκαι πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την αμμον [gnt]

House on sand words
Do you see any connection to the following?

8. Matthew 7:25,27 House built on sand
House on rock of Christ:
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeκαι 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:
Verse route7:27 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]
Verse routeκαι 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
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeκαι 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"?

Information sign More: Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine

10. Traditions from Babel to Pergamus to Rome
Verse routeRevelation 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]
Verse routeκαι 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.
  • 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.

Information sign More: Genesis 1: Evening and morning
The Greek for "two edged sword" means, literally, "two mouthed sword" as in "let my sword do the talking".

Information sign More: A peace of the mouth of the sword
Information sign More: Romans: Under the law as in sewer pipes
Information sign More: Traditions from Babel to Pergamus to Rome

11. Matthew 5:29
   Matthew 5:29 
 All 
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
   Matthew 5:30 
 All 
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
Verse routeMatthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [kjv]
Verse route5:28 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]

Passive Passive

[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.

Information sign More: Matthew 5:27-28 Adulterated hearts

14. Matthew 5:29-30 Overview
Verse routeMatthew 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]

Verse route5:30 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]

Active Active

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
Verse route1 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]

Verse routeMatthew 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]

Verse route18:9 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"? 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
Verse route1 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]
Verse routeκαθαπερ 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]

Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeει 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]

Verse route18:9 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]
Verse routeκαι 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
Verse routePsalms 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, [kjv]
Verse routeφυλαξον με ως κοραν οφθαλμου εν σκεπη των πτερυγων σου σκεπασεις με [lxx]

Bird house
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.

18. Apples
Verse routePsalms 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, [kjv]
Verse routeφυλαξον 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".


Information sign More: Apple of the eye

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
Here we will concentrate mostly on the "eye". So "open your eyes" so "you can see".

21. Matthew 5:29 Body parts and animals
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeει 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)
Bird Pig Fish Sheep
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.

Information sign More: Models and reality

22. Revelation 18:2 Cagey birds
Verse routeRevelation 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]
Verse routeκαι 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]

Cage Sphere
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".

Information sign More: Matthew 6: The missing part worked out for the birds
Information sign More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows
Information sign More: Revelation 18:1-24 Cagey birds and the end of Babylon

23. Revelation 18:2 Bird watching
Verse routeRevelation 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]
Verse routeκαι 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?

24. Revelation 18:3 Fornication and merchants
Verse routeRevelation 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]
Verse routeοτι 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".

Information sign More: Matthew 5:31-32 Cutout the adultery and divorce
Information sign More: Matthew 13:45-46 Sixth kingdom parable: pearl of great price
Information sign More: Matthew 7:13-14 Strait talk about narrow and wide gates
Information sign More: The key to the keys to an open and shut heavenly gate
Information sign More: Revelation 18:1-24 Cagey birds and the end of Babylon

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.

26. Matthew 6:22-23 Aye aye
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeο λυχνος του σωματος εστιν ο οφθαλμος εαν ουν η ο οφθαλμος σου απλους ολον το σωμα σου φωτεινον εσται [gnt]
Verse route6:23 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]

Book: Three bags full
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.)

Information sign More: Matthew 5:38 Seeing aye to aye

27. One or two eyes
Verse routeMatthew 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]

Verse route18:9 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]

Active Active

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]

Information sign More: Verily, a true beginning and amen
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
Verse routePsalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. [kjv]
Verse routeעיני … [he]
Verse routeαποκαλυψον 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]

Information sign More: Song: Open my eyes that I may see

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
Verse routeMatthew 11:6 And blessed is he, who soever shall not be offended in me. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι μακαριος εστιν ος αν μη σκανδαλισθη εν εμοι [gnt]
Verse routeblessidsclaundrid … [wy]
Verse routehappyoffended … [ty]

Stumbling block Reflexive deception
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).

Information sign More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

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. 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.

Information sign More: Punishment by punny puns

34. Matthew 5:39 Right cheek
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeεγω 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".
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".

Information sign More: Matthew 5:39 Turning the other cheek

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.
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeει 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".

36. Matthew 5:30 Hands that entrap
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeκαι 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.

37. For your eyes only
FOR YOUR EYES ONLYFor brevity, one can look at the "eye" and leave the "hand" and "foot" for later, a feat that is handy.
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeει 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"?
Verse route18:9 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]
Verse routeκαι 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
Fishing: catch and releaseShould 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.

Information sign More: Catch and release: throwing out some ideas
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).


Information sign More: Daniel 2: I have a forgotten dream

41. Eyes: step 1
Eye cutout 1Suppose 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
Eye cutout 1Is 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
Eye cutout 3Is it getting any better? Eye cutout 3One 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.

Information sign More: Matthew 11:1-6: Trapped by an offensive misinterpretation of Jesus

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.

Verse routeGalatians 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]
Verse route 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.

Future topic Details are left as a future topic.


45. Galatians 4:15
 All 
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

47. Sin
Verse routeMatthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: [kjv]
Verse routeεκ 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).

Eye cutout 3The "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.


Information sign More: Shoot the messenger
Information sign More: A top-down view of the woman caught in adultery

48. Shoot the messenger
Prophet 1
One should not shoot the messenger if one does not like the message.

Verse routeJohn 18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? [kjv]
Verse routeαπεκριθη αυτω ιησους ει κακως ελαλησα μαρτυρησον περι του κακου ει δε καλως τι με δερεις [gnt]



Information sign More: Shoot the messenger

49. Pluck out the eye
Pluck eye 4
Eye cutout 3Do 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.

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.

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
Hand cutout 1The right hand is causing sin, so chop it off.

54. Hand: step 2
Hand cutout 2That did not solve the problem. The left hand is causing sin, so chop it off.

55. Hand: step 3
Hand cutout 3That 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
Verse routeRomans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
Verse routeπαντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]

Church of true Christians
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").

Information sign More: A martyred witness to a translation error
Information sign More: Whether this or that: What is your opinion on glory?
Information sign More: Expectation of a glorious Greek opinion on a doxology
Paraphrase: For all have not been a (good) witness (of God) and not approached the opinion of God


Information sign More: Whether this or that: What is your opinion on glory?

58. Romans 3:23 Glory of God
Verse routeRomans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
Verse routeπαντες 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.
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.

Information sign More: Sin and good people
Information sign More: Everything and all things: But wait, there's more

59. Root cause
Verse routeRomans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
Verse routeπαντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
Verse routeomnes enim peccaveruntegent gloriam … [v]
Verse routeπαντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]

DNA code Sinless
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]

Information sign More: Jeremiah 13: Nature and nurture and leopard spots
Information sign More: Everything and all things: But wait, there's more

60. Offending hand, foot, etc.
Rebuke 0The 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.

Future topic Details are left as a future topic.


61. Matthew 5:29 Pluck the eye
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeει 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]

Carry togetherYou are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.
These statements are in the presence of disciples during the Sermon on the Mount. When in public and in the presence of the religious elite, Jesus will change the "carrying together" to "good" (but not "better") but also change the second phrase to not match the first.

Information sign More: Bringing together an expedient analogy

62. Matthew 5:30 Cut off the hand
Verse routeMatthew 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]
Verse routeκαι 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]

Carry togetherYou are to "carry together" both of the thoughts as similar. Any value judgment as to "profitable" is inferred and not in what is said.
These statements are in the presence of disciples during the Sermon on the Mount. When in public and in the presence of the religious elite, Jesus will change the "carrying together" to "good" (but not "better") but also change the second phrase to not match the first.

Information sign More: Bringing together an expedient analogy

63. Little ones
Ebbing DotsIn 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.

Information sign More: Profitable and expedient counterfactual logic

64. Skin colors
Colors 1Skin 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.


Information sign More: Song: Jesus loves the little children

65. Matthew 5
Eye candyThe 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.
Verse routeMatthew 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]

66. Matthew 5:28
   Matthew 5:28 
 All 
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.

67. 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.

68. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Members of the body of Christ
Verse route1 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]
Verse routeκαθαπερ 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]

Neighbor 0 Stickman
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.

Information sign More: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Members of the body of Christ

69. 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.

70. 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)?

71. Review: The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
Verse route1 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]

Verse routeMatthew 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]

Verse route18:9 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".

72. Matthew 5:31-32 Cutout the adultery and divorce
Verse routeMatthew 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: [kjv]
Verse route5:32 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]

Divorced Divorced

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.

Information sign More: Matthew 5:31-32 Cutout the adultery and divorce

73. Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head - yes no
Verse routeMatthew 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]

Verse route5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]

Verse route5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]

Verse route5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]

Verse route5:37 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.


Information sign More: Matthew 5:33-37 Reasoning about oaths - yes no
Information sign More: Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head - yes no

74. End of page

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