Matthew 18:8-9 Pluck out and cut off

Matthew 17:24-27 Tacky attacks on a senseless tax (start of discourse)

Discourse: (common theme is that of "greatest")

Matthew 18:1-5 Little children in the great middle
Matthew 18:6-7 Sea the neck millstone entrapment
Matthew 18:8-9 Pluck out and cut off (this page)
Matthew 18:10-11 Ten Pin children cycle
Matthew 18:12-14 Sheep astray downward from the mountains
Matthew 18:15-17 Conflicting and faulty resolutions

Again: (repeat ideas presented but not in the same exact way)

Through this:

Matthew 18:23-35 Parable of the unforgiving servant (discourse ends)

Bind and loose, glue and separate: (follows church conflict verses)

Matthew 19:1-10 Making room to be joined together

More: Matthew

Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. [kjv]

και ος εαν δεξηται παιδιον τοιουτον εν παιδιον τοιουτο επι τω ονοματι μου εμε δεχεται [gnt]

This "little child" could be anyone. The most important "little child" is you (one cookie rule). You are that "one" "little child"! What happens if you as that "one" "little child" do not "receive" or "accept" "on" the "name" of Jesus?
Including the "if" in the translation makes this correspondence more clear.

Paraphrase: And if you receive/accept, as a little child, on the name of me (Jesus), you receive/accept me (Jesus).

More: One cookie rule: good to the last drop

More: Matthew 18:1-5 Little children in the great middle

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος επι περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]

More: Matthew 18:6-7 Sea the neck millstone entrapment

Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! [kjv]

ουαι τω κοσμω απο των σκανδαλων αναγκη γαρ εστιν ελθειν τα σκανδαλα πλην ουαι τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου το σκανδαλον ερχεται [gnt]

The word "woe" in Greek is that of a "bird" of prey sound.

The TR (Textus Receptus) adds the word "be", adds some connecting words, and rearranges some words.
"ἀπό" ≈ "away from" as in "from" but with an idea of a separating distance.
"σκάνδαλον" ≈ "trap, snare" and is used as a noun, three times in this verse and once in the previous verse.
"ανάγκη" ≈ "necessity, constraint, compulsion, force" and is used as a noun. The word is associated with the "yoke" of "compulsion" by Amos, Isaiah, Jesus, Barnabas, etc.
"πλήν" ≈ "with the exception of, except for".

More: Eagles and woeful eagle sounds

More: Matthew 18:6-7 Sea the neck millstone entrapment

Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! [kjv]

ουαι τω κοσμω απο των σκανδαλων αναγκη γαρ εστιν ελθειν τα σκανδαλα πλην ουαι τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου το σκανδαλον ερχεται [gnt]

Thus, the compound noun is that of a "compulsion" "trap" or "trap" of "compulsion". Jesus talks of this in the Sermon on the Mount in terms of the dead "gift" "on" top of the "alter" ("trap" of "compulsion") and the living "gift" "in front of" the "alter".

The modern Greek word "πλην" (pleen) ≈ "except for" and is used as a "minus sign" for the subtraction operation as in 5 "except for" 3 is 2.

More: Amos 5: The yoke of compulsion

More: Matthew 5:23-24 Alterated gifts

More: Matthew 18:6-7 Sea the neck millstone entrapment

Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! [kjv]

ουαι τω κοσμω απο των σκανδαλων αναγκη γαρ εστιν ελθειν τα σκανδαλα πλην ουαι τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου το σκανδαλον ερχεται [gnt]

Paraphrase: Woe (with respect to) the (people in the) world apart from the trap of compulsion because the entrapments come (but) with the exception of woe (with respect to) the man through whom [not] the entrapment comes.

This appears to provide an out of sorts to those who have been "entrapped" by the "compulsion" (e.g., pay even if you do not owe) provided they do the other things that they are expected by Jesus to do. This would be the "sheep" as "little ones" that have been "separated".

However, this does not appear to provide an out to those who have supported or promoted the "compulsion" "entrapments". This would be the "birds" and "pigs". What Jesus says about "idle words" might explain how ambiguity of intention is disambiguated.

[woe as a bird of prey cry, gift on the alter, last farthing]

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting - old

More: Matthew 18:6-7 Sea the neck millstone entrapment

1 2 3 4 5 6 + - ▶

How should one deal with such an entrapment situation? Not to "cut off" this inquiry now, but this is answered in these and following verses.

In each case, who is the one who needs to "let go" or "forgive"? Which side is less likely to "let go" or "forgive"? Might this be the side initiating the action?

In ARMS (Attractive Refrigerator Magnet Sermons), which role is the person in the pew given? Does the pastor giving the sermon ever take a role? Image a sermon about the extorting servant rather than the unforgiving servant. [Dilbert and United Way]
How should we handle such situations in the church? Does Jesus provide a protocol to resolve such issues?

More: Attractive refrigerator magnet sermons

Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [kjv]

εαν γαρ αφητε τοις ανθρωποις τα παραπτωματα αυτων αφησει και υμιν ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος [gnt]

6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [kjv]

εαν δε μη αφητε τοις ανθρωποις τα παραπτωματα αυτων ουδε ο πατηρ υμων αφησει τα παραπτωματα υμων [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἄφες" ≈ "let go, forgive". What are we to "let go" of? The word often translated as "trespass" is the ancient Greek word "παράπτωσις" ≈ "impetuous pursuit, going astray". The parts of the word mean, literally, going "beyond falling" as in "fault" of imperfection. A general English phrase for this might be "stupid things" that are done (by you or others).

Might these "stupid things" for which we are to "let go" include what is described in the verses that immediately follow?

More: Matthew 6:12-15: Forget about the debts, sins and trespasses

Here is a forgiveness, or letting go, hierarchy, perhaps exaggerated at the outer level. Which is easier? Which is harder?

Forgive or let go of others of their "trespasses", sins or debts against you.
Forgive or let go of others of their "trespasses", sins or debts that could be against anyone (including you).
Forgive or let go of others of their "impetuous pursuit" or "falling down" or "stupid things" done that should not be done, even if it is not a trespass, sin or debt.

More: Matthew 6:12-15: Forget about the debts, sins and trespasses

Matthew 18:8 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. [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]

I have heard many pastors say that they do not think it means to literally cut off a hand or foot or eye. At the same time, they provide little guidance on what these verses actually mean.

Why is the order "hand" then "foot" then "eye"?
What is meant by "rather" in verse 8?
What is meant by "better" in verses 8 and 9?
Is there a difference between "everlasting fire" and "hell fire"?
How do these verses compare with what appear to be similar verses in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:29-30?

[continuity of the entire discourse]

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]

… dextera manus … scandalizat … expedit … pereat unum membrorum … quam … corpus … gehennam [v]

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]

… scandalizat … bonum … unoculum … quam … [v]

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]

… oculus … dexter scandalizat … expedit … unum membrorum … corpus … mittatur … gehennam [v]

18:8 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. [kjv]

… scandalizat … bonum … debilem vel clodum quam … vel … [v]

These verses in Matthew 5:28-29 are similar to Matthew 18:8-9 and yet different.

Matthew 5: The order is "eye", "hand". No "foot" is mentioned.
Matthew 18: The order is "hand", "foot", "eye".

The "shoe" or "sandal" was a "sign" of an "oath".

Ruth 4:7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. [kjv]

4:8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. [kjv]

και ειπεν ο αγχιστευς τω βοος κτησαι σεαυτω την αγχιστειαν μου και υπελυσατο το υποδημα αυτου και εδωκεν αυτω [lxx]

4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. [kjv]

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

Ruth 4:7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. [kjv]

και τουτο το δικαιωμα εμπροσθεν εν τω ισραηλ επι την αγχιστειαν και επι το ανταλλαγμα του στησαι παν λογον και υπελυετο ο ανηρ το υποδημα αυτου και εδιδου τω πλησιον αυτου τω αγχιστευοντι την αγχιστειαν αυτου και τουτο ην μαρτυριον εν ισραηλ [lxx]

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

Ruth 4:8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. [kjv]

και ειπεν ο αγχιστευς τω βοος κτησαι σεαυτω την αγχιστειαν μου και υπελυσατο το υποδημα αυτου και εδωκεν αυτω [lxx]

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

Ruth 4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. [kjv]

και ειπεν βοος τοις πρεσβυτεροις και παντι τω λαω μαρτυρες υμεις σημερον οτι κεκτημαι παντα τα του αβιμελεχ και παντα οσα υπαρχει τω χελαιων και τω μααλων εκ χειρος νωεμιν [lxx]

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

An "oath" is often used to get "work", for good or not good, from someone.
In the Greek, the word for "snare" or "trap" is the same as the Greek word for "sandal" except for a Greek "κ" (kappa).

The ancient Greek word "σκάνδαλον" ≈ "snare, trap, temptation" and is the source of the English word "scandal" (with a different meaning).
The ancient Greek word "σάνδαλον" ≈ "sandal" and is the source of the English word "sandal".

How might a "shoe" relate to "entrapment"? How might a "sandal", is in the book of Ruth, be related to an "oath"?

More: Oaths and vows and wells

More: Matthew 5:33-37 Reasoning about oaths - yes no

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]

What is "good" to do? How might this be "raca"?

The "hand" refers to the "pig" (muscle) who works for the "bird".
The "foot" refers to the "fish" attracted by the "bird" to a "city" on a "hill" that cannot be "hid" (in a not good sense). The "mountain" cannot be "hid" because it is already under water. [Revelation]

Matthew 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]

Jesus uses the word "one" to refer to you (one cookie rule). Using "one" here would break that model. Here, Jesus uses a different word for "one" - as the Greek word "mono".
What is "good" to do? How might this be "raca"?

The "eye" refers to the "leader". In the case of a false "leader" it is a "bird".

A folk etymology (i.e., in this case, an obvious play on words) is that an "eye" is a "hole" into a "chamber" as in a "bird" "house".

*G906 *125 βάλλω (bal'-lo) : a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):--arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare G4496.

Words: αμφιβαλλοντας βαλε=9 βαλει βαλειν=9 βαλετε βαλετω=2 βαλη=2 βαλητε βαλλει=5 βαλλεται=3 βαλλομεν βαλλομενα βαλλομενον=2 βαλλοντας=2 βαλλοντες βαλλοντων=2 βαλλουσα βαλλουσαν βαλλουσιν=4 βαλλω=2 βαλοντες βαλουσα βαλουσιν=3 βαλω=3 βαλωσιν βεβληκεν βεβληκοτος βεβλημενην βεβλημενον=3 βεβλημενος βεβληται=2 βληθεις βληθειση βληθεν βληθη βληθηναι=4 βληθησεται βληθηση βληθητι=2 εβαλαν εβαλεν=21 εβαλλον εβαλον=8 εβεβλητο εβληθη=9 εβληθησαν=3

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]

"βληθῆναι" ≈ "to be cast" (as used).
"β" ≈ "two" (number) and "λήθη" ≈ "oblivion, forgetfulness" and "ναι" ≈ "yes".

In each case where Jesus uses this word there are "two" going into "oblivion" "yes". The numeric value of "β" ≈ "beta" was two. The ancient Greek word "βάλλω" ≈ "throw" which is the source of the English word "ballistic".

A better meaning of "cast" comes from following verses in this discourse (heathen, tax collector).

*G906 *125 βάλλω (bal'-lo) : a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):--arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare G4496.

Usage

All

βληθηναι *4 of 125

Matthew 18:8 ... 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.

Matthew 18:9 ... 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.

Mark 9:45 ... having two feet to be cast into hell, into ...

Mark 9:47 ... having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

"βληθῆναι" ≈ "to be cast" (as used).
"β" ≈ "two" (number) and "λήθη" ≈ "oblivion, forgetfulness" and "ναι" ≈ "yes".

In each case where Jesus uses this word there are "two" going into "oblivion" "yes".

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]

… scandalizat … bonum … debilem vel clodum quam … vel … [v]

The ancient Greek word "καλόν" ≈ "beautifully". The idea of "better" is a GNT (Greek New Testament) meaning taken from the Latin. The play on words is that of being "raca" as in not doing what the council wants when it conflicts with what Jesus wants.
The Latin word "bonum" ≈ "moral good" and, in the plural, "possessions".

More: Matthew 5:22 The danger of brotherly anger

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]

The disjunctions need an appropriate parsing.

Greek: ... enter into the life halt or maimed or two hands or two feet having been thrown into the fire (of) the ages.

(halt or maimed) or (two hands or two feet)
(halt or maimed or two hands) or two feet
halt or (maimed or two hands or two feet)

Math uses parentheses. Computer science uses trees (where parentheses and precedence rules disappear).

More: Disjunction in Matthew

Some statements/questions can have multiple ors. So do row boats. Oar what? [handy Andy]

Statement: It is better to have meat or vegetables rather than pie or cake!

Question: Is it good to have meat or vegetables or pie or cake?
Question: Is it good to have (meat or vegetables) or (pie or cake)? (with non-verbal cues, voice inflection, hand motions, providing more specific parsing)

Through Latin, the KJV (King James Version) is changed as follows.

The words for "good" becomes "better" (both verses).
One of the "or" words becomes "rather than".

Discuss:

Why did translators make such changes?
Why do translators continue to ignore the actual word meanings?

[Job security? Greatness?]

More: Questionable statements

More: Some difficulties of language translation

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]

… scandalizat … bonum … debilem vel clodum quam … vel … [v]

English: ... beautiful/good ... or .. or .. or ...
Greek: ... καλον ... η .. η .. η ...
Latin: ... bonum ... vel ... quam ... vel ...
English : ... better ... or ... rather than ... or ...

The Latin word "vel" ≈ "or, and/or" as a conjunction and "even", "indeed",
The Latin word "assuredly", "certainly" as an adverb. Latin "quam" ≈ "different than, sooner than" as a comparative "than".

Matthew 7:14

All

KJV: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Greek: οτι στενη η πυλη και τεθλιμμενη η οδος η απαγουσα εις την ζωην και ολιγοι εισιν οι ευρισκοντες αυτην

*G2948 *4 κυλλός (kool-los') : from the same as G2947; rocking about, i.e. crippled (maimed, in feet or hands):--maimed.

Words: κυλλον=2 κυλλους=2

"κυλλός" ≈ "maimed, deformed, crooked"
"κύριος" ≈ "lord or master"
"εις" ≈ "into" and "εις" ≈ "one".

The ancient Greek word "κυλλός" ≈ "maimed, deformed, crooked". This exact word does not appear in the LXX (Septuagint). It appears only in this verse as used by Jesus (Matthew and same corresponding verse in Mark). The same for the other word pair.

More: Similarity of the R and L sounds

*G2948 *4 κυλλός (kool-los') : from the same as G2947; rocking about, i.e. crippled (maimed, in feet or hands):--maimed.

Usage

All

κυλλους *2

Matthew 15:30 ... those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, ...

Matthew 15:31 ... when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, ...

κυλλον *2

Matthew 18:8 ... life halt or maimed, rather than having two ...

Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]

"κυλλός" ≈ "maimed, deformed, crooked"
"κύριος" ≈ "lord or master"
"εις" ≈ "into" and "εις" ≈ "one".

Do you want to go through life with "one" "lord/master"?
How would it work to have more than "one"?
Would a non-verbal hand motion to himself made this more clear?

This is not the Greek word for "one" that Jesus uses to refer to you (one cookie rule).

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye can not serve God and mammon. [kjv]

ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμμωνα μαμωνα [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "καταφρόνησις" ≈ "think badly of, hold in contempt, despise". Note that this can be done without the other person knowing. False leaders, false teachers, etc., will show an outward appearance that is different from their inside heart. [hypocrite, bird preen feathers, do not want to be fact checked][burn in their hate]

The ancient Greek prefix "κατά" ≈ "back, downwards, against, fully, completely".

The ancient Greek word "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" and comes from the ancient Greek word "φρήν" ≈ "midriff, stomach". A "sensible" approach requires that trade-offs be made.

[fasting and hiding of faces, treasure disappearing]
[without spots, opinion, glory, statement or question]

More: A wise fool should not be prudish about being prudent

More: A wise opportunity to be prudent

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]

"χωλόν," ≈ "lame, limping".
"καλόν" ≈ "beautifully"

The ancient Greek word "χωλός" ≈ "lame, limping". Figuratively, it meant maimed, imperfect, defective, etc.

"κῶλον" ≈ "part of something, member, leg/arm". Synonym is "μέλος" ≈ "member".
"κόλον" ≈ "colon"

Matthew 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]

Jesus avoids using the word "one" in this verse. Doing so would break the pattern model. Jesus then uses (makes up) the ancient Greek word "μονόφθαλμον" ≈ "one-eyed" rather than the more usual "one" "eye" or "eye" "one". In this discourse, the word "one" has an important secondary meaning and using the word for "one" with "eye" in this verse would not match the pattern model.

Matthew 18:8 … for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, … [kjv]

… εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον … [gnt]

7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [kjv]

οτι στενη η πυλη και τεθλιμμενη η οδος η απαγουσα εις την ζωην και ολιγοι εισιν οι ευρισκοντες αυτην [gnt]

Matthew	18:8	Matthew	7:14
English	Greek	Greek	English
goes into	εἰσελθεῖν	**ἀπάγουσα	leads away from
into	εἰς	εἰς	into
*the	τὴν	τὴν	*the
life	ζωὴν	ζωὴν	life

*omitted in many English translations.

**translated as "leads into"

More: Matthew 7:13-14 Strait talk about narrow and wide gates

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [kjv]

προσεχετε δε απο των ψευδοπροφητων οιτινες ερχονται προς υμας εν ενδυμασιν προβατων εσωθεν δε εισιν λυκοι αρπαγες [gnt]

Consider the John Wesley house analogy. Before going up the steps and through the door into the house one should be sure that this is the house into which one wants to go.

English novelist, journalist, merchant (and pamphleteer and spy) Daniel Defoe (1660-1731), known for Robinson Crusoe in 1719, starts his poem The true-born Englishman as follows.

Whenever God erects a house of prayer, the devil always builds a chapel there.
And 'twill be found, upon examination, the latter has the largest congregation.

How does this compare with a "vineyard"? How about a "synagogue" of "Satan"?

More: 2 Timothy 3:1-12 Silly women in the she shed

More: Wesley's front porch analogy of grace

More: Moses with horns

Matthew 18:8 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. [kjv]

ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [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]

Twice it two successive verses Jesus says, and appears to mean, "enter" "into" "the" "life".

Matthew 18:8

All

KJV: 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.

Greek: ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτα αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην χωλον η κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον

Latin: si autem manus tua vel pes tuus scandalizat te abscide eum et proice abs te bonum tibi est ad vitam ingredi debilem vel clodum quam duas manus vel duos pedes habentem mitti in ignem aeternum

Wycliffe: And if thin hoond or thi foot sclaundreth thee, kitte it of, and caste awei fro thee. It is betere to thee to entre to lijf feble, ethir crokid, than hauynge tweyne hoondis or twey feet to be sent in to euerlastynge fier.

Tyndale: Wherfore yf thy honde or thy fote offende the cut him of and cast him from the. It ys better for the to enter into lyfe halt or maymed rather then thou shuldest havinge two hondes or two fete be cast into everlasting fyre.

Matthew 18:9

All

KJV: 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.

Greek: 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

Latin: et si oculus tuus scandalizat te erue eum et proice abs te bonum tibi est unoculum in vitam intrare quam duos oculos habentem mitti in gehennam ignis

Wycliffe: And if thin iye sclaundre thee, pulle it out, and caste awei fro thee. It is betere to thee with oon iye to entre in to lijf, thanne hauynge tweyn iyen to be sent in to the fier of helle.

Tyndale: And yf also thyne eye offende the plucke him oute and caste him from the. It is better for the to enter into lyfe with one eye then havyng two eyes to be cast into hell fyre.

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]

These verses in Matthew 5 are similar and yet different from the corresponding verses in Matthew 18.

Matthew 5: The order is "eye", "hand". No "foot" is mentioned.
Matthew 18: The order is "hand", "foot", "eye".

Matthew 18:8 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. [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]

These verses in Matthew 18 are similar and yet different from the corresponding verses in Matthew 5.

Matthew 18: The order is "hand", "foot", "eye".
Matthew 5: The order is "eye", "hand". No "foot" is mentioned.

The different order and different parts is a future topic (i.e., next lesson).

To simply the analysis, only the "eye" verses will be used. The other is left as an exercise for the student. How many students ever do those exercises (unless they are assigned for homework)?

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]

These verses, one in Matthew 5 and one in Matthew 18 appear similar. Can you explain the similarity and differences?

Why "right" in Matthew 5 and not in Matthew 18? Let us ignore that for now.
What does it mean to be "profitable"? What does it mean to be "better"? Are these correct translations?
Let us ignore any differences between "hell" and "hell fire".

Are these verses saying the same thing? Are they saying something different?

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]

Jesus uses a different Greek word in Matthew 5:29 than in Matthew 18:9. In both cases the KJV makes a value decision on which is more "profitable" or "better" whereas Jesus, as usual, does not make a value decision but appears to be providing two ways of saying something similar (or opposite). In Matthew 18:9 Jesus uses "good" or "right" for what is translated as "better".

As a reader, one should make a value decision but, in this case, the translators make the value decision for the reader.

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 means, literally, "carry together".
The KJV translates this word as "profitable" while Jesus uses this word in the more literal sense of the before and after being "carried together". Here are the similar ideas "carried together" involving the "eye" at the start of each clause.

Before: the eye (member) entraps so separate from it.
After: the member (eye) perishes and not the whole body.

More: Bringing together an expedient analogy

Matthew 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]

Jesus does not use the Greek word for "carry together" here. Doing so would break the model of how he uses that word in other places.

Here are the not similar ideas and not "carried together", involving the "eye" and then "you".

Before: the eye entraps so separate from it.
After: you enter (into the) life with one eye.

Matthew 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 Greek word translated as "better" is that of "καλον" ≈ "good, beautiful" or "καλός" ≈ "beautiful, good, right".
The Spoonerism is "ῥακά" ≈ "idiot, fool, good-for-nothing". One is "raca" if one does not do what the "council" desires unless it is in line with what Jesus desires.

More: Matthew 5:22 The danger of brotherly anger

More: Punishment by Spoonerisms: switched consonants

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]

Matthew 5:29: Similar ideas "carried together" involving the "eye" at the start of each clause.

Before: the eye entraps so separate from it.
After: the member (eye) perishes and not the whole body.

Matthew 18:9: Not similar ideas and not "carried together", involving the "eye" and then "you".

Before: the eye entraps so separate from it.
After: you enter (into the) life with one eye.

The Greek word for "carried together" had been used by Jesus three verses earlier (millstone and sink in the sea in the sea of the sea).

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]

"συμφέρω" ≈ "bring together, work with, to be carried along with" (used here).
"σύμφορος" ≈ "useful, profitable, expedient, suitable" (not used here).

Verse comparison summary:

Matthew 5:29: "carry together" the same idea before and after.
Matthew 18:9: different ideas before and after, so the word "good" as "right" is used to not break the model.

This pattern or model reinforces the idea that the use of "carry together" in 18:6, three verses earlier, should fit the model.

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

The "he" can be "it" and matches the "one" "little one". This leads to Peter's insightful question about forgiving the one who entraps.

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 similarities become apparent with the following transformations.

One (or more) Greek words are translated correctly.
A questionable inference is corrected
A simple logical observation is made for the verse in Matthew 5.
Two-valued truth table logic from the mid 1800's is used.

More: Questionable statements

Matthew 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]

English has ways to unambiguously express a question. In many languages, including Greek, a statement and a question are written in exactly the same way.
To make a statement a question, one raises the voice at the end of the statement. These non-written hints are not in the Greek text.

Greek word order: ... good (for/to) you is one-eye into the life go ...

This part of the verse can be either a statement or a question. Traditional translations have assumed that it is a statement.

More: Questionable statements

Matthew 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]

What Jesus says can be either a statement or a question. To make it a statement, the Greek word for "or" needs to be translated as "rather than".

The ancient Greek word "μᾶλλον" ≈ "rather" as in "rather than". This word is used 8 times by Jesus in Matthew. If Jesus had meant to say "rather than", he had the word to say that. Instead, he said "or".

The modern Greek word "μάλλον" (MAL-lon) ≈ "rather, more precisely".

Matthew 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]

Consider the second part of the verse.

Let A be "enter into life one-eyed" (Jesus).
Let B be "having two eyes and cast into hell" (Jesus and false-leader).

Let us now look at Matthew 5:29.

More: Questionable statements

More: DeMorgan's Laws of compound logical negation

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]

Let not A be "one of the members (the eye) perish" so that A is "one of member (the eye) lives".
Let not B be "not the whole body cast into hell" so that B is "whole body cast into hell".

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]

To support the first alternative being "profitable" the word for "carry together" is translated that way.

Statement: Better for A than not B.
Question: Taken/carried together it is (not A) and (not B)

Simplified expressions:

Matthew 5:29: (not A) and (not B)
Matthew 5:29: not (A or B) by DeMorgan's law.
Matthew 18:9: A or B

By DeMorgan's Law for propositional logic (i.e., truth table logic), from the mid 1800's, these are opposites. This can be useful for showing both sides of a conditional probability.

Matthew 5:29: carry together these two ideas (in this case, that follow)
Matthew 18:9: which is the better of the two (in this case, that follow)

In neither case is Jesus making a value judgment as to which is "better" or "expedient". It should be clear which is more "better" or "expedient" but that is implied and left to be inferred and not stated unequivocally.

[intuition, algebra, logic]

1 2 3 + - ▶

DeMorgan's Laws for propositional (truth table) logic are named for Augustus DeMorgan (1806-1871).

[Bible inerrancy]

DeMorgan tutored (mostly via correspondence) Ada Lovelace, considered the first programmer, in the early 1840's. The Ada programming language, used mostly for government work, is named after Ada Lovelace.

DeMorgan's Law is needed to fully analyze what Jesus says about mammon in Matthew 6:24 and the plucking of the eye in the Sermon on the Mount and in Matthew 18.

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

More: DeMorgan's Laws of compound logical negation

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]

Though logical analysis, the following parts of the above verses are opposites.

Matthew 5:29: ... one of thy members should perish and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Matthew 18:9: ... enter into life with one eye or (rather than) having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Simplified expressions that say the same thing where A:perish is not A:life.

Matthew 5:29: (not A) and (not B) is the same as not (A or B) by DeMorgan's law.
Matthew 18:9: A or B

More: DeMorgan's Laws of compound logical negation

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος επι περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "καταποντίζω" ≈ "sink in the sea" (drowning inferred).

"κατά" ≈ "back, downwards, against" and "πόντος" ≈ "sea" (eye, bird).
"πελάγει" ≈ "sea" (dative neuter singular) from "πέλαγος" ≈ "sea", later the islands in the sea and the source of the last part of the English word "archipelago" (foot, fish)
"θάλασσα" ≈ "sea". Some see the word "salt" as part of this word for "sea". (hand, pig)

Greek 18:6: Sink in the sea [eye] in the sea [foot] of the sea [hand]. [down into the pit/abyss]
Greek 18:8-9: ... cut off hand then foot then pluck out eye ...

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

More: Animal wise crackers

More: Matthew 18:6-7 Sea the neck millstone entrapment

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]

ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος επι περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]

The verse does not mention "drowning". The idea is that of going in a downward direction.

Paraphrase: ... and sink down in the sea in the sea of the sea.

[the pit or abyss, Jonah going down, down, down, one sheep going down the mountain]
[many chances - but keep sinking deeper]
The Greek word used for "sink down" is also used in Matthew 14 for Peter "sinking down" in the sea.

More: Matthew 10:8-10 The way out of the pit

More: Matthew 14:21-36 The all in one boat fallacy and deception

More: Matthew 18:6-7 Sea the neck millstone entrapment

Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

ορατε μη καταφρονησητε ενος των μικρων τουτων λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι οι αγγελοι αυτων εν ουρανοις δια παντος βλεπουσιν το προσωπον του πατρος μου του εν ουρανοις [gnt]

It appears that "little ones" as "believers" have "angels" as "messengers", etc. The "walk a mile" verse is of being a "messenger" of God. The verse applies both to "you" as the "one" (reflexively) and (then) to "others".
Do those in churches sometimes "despise" those who have been shunned or separated from the church in some way?

More: Touched by an angelic messenger

More: Matthew 5:41 Walk a mile for a camel

More: Matthew 18:10-11 Ten Pin children cycle

Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

ορατε μη καταφρονησητε ενος των μικρων τουτων λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι οι αγγελοι αυτων εν ουρανοις δια παντος βλεπουσιν το προσωπον του πατρος μου του εν ουρανοις [gnt]

Is it possible for "you" to "despise" yourself as the separated "little one"?
Is it possible for you to "despise" someone else as the separated "little one"?
Do those in churches sometimes "despise" those who have been shunned or separated from the church in some way?

The ancient Greek word "καταφρόνησις" ≈ "hold in contempt, despise" is used in only one other place in Matthew by Jesus - in the verse on "mammon". Note that this can be done without the other person knowing. False leaders, false teachers, etc., will show an outward appearance that is different from their heart on the inside.

More: Matthew 5:41 Walk a mile for a camel

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

More: Matthew 18:10-11 Ten Pin children cycle