Mark 9:47

47 And if your eye makes you lose your faith, take it out! It is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to keep both eyes and be thrown into hell. 1

Mark 9:47 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:47

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out
Than which, nothing is dearer to man, it being very tender, and exceeding useful: this metaphor the Lord sometimes makes use of, to show how dear his people are unto him, and what a tender concern he has for them, ( Deuteronomy 32:10 ) ( Psalms 17:8 ) ( Zechariah 2:8 ) . And here it may design such, as are most beloved by men, and are their most intimate acquaintance, and bosom friends; and yet these are to be parted with, when they prove snares and stumbling blocks, or give offence, by endeavouring to draw into sin, and from Christ:

it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye;
that kingdom, which God has prepared for his people, from the foundation of the world, and of his rich grace, gives unto them, and in which they will enjoy him to all eternity;

than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.
In the two instances before it is added, "that never shall be quenched".

Mark 9:47 In-Context

45 And if your foot makes you lose your faith, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a foot than to keep both feet and be thrown into hell.
47 And if your eye makes you lose your faith, take it out! It is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to keep both eyes and be thrown into hell.
48 There "the worms that eat them never die, and the fire that burns them is never put out.'
49 "Everyone will be purified by fire as a sacrifice is purified by salt.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 9.47Matthew 5.29.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.