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Book of Mark - Chapter 9 - Verse 47

9:47
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Meaning

This verse from the book of Mark in the Bible highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual well-being over worldly desires. The statement "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out" is a metaphorical way of expressing the need to remove anything in our lives that may lead us astray from God. It emphasizes the extreme measures one should be willing to take in order to safeguard their soul and ensure their entrance into the kingdom of God. While the act of physically plucking out one's eye may seem drastic, the message is clear: it is better to sacrifice temporary pleasures or comforts in this life to secure eternal salvation in the next. The imagery of entering into the kingdom of God with one eye rather than facing the torment of hell with two eyes serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize spiritual growth and righteousness above all else.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out..." emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for drastic action to avoid spiritual destruction. In this passage, Jesus uses vivid imagery to convey the idea that it is better to make personal sacrifices and remove anything that causes us to stumble rather than risk eternal damnation. This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing our spiritual well-being above all else, even if it means facing painful decisions or making difficult choices. Additionally, the concept of entering the kingdom of God with one eye instead of being cast into hell fire with two eyes underscores the significance of repentance and turning away from sin to gain entrance into God's presence. Through this passage, believers are encouraged to take sin seriously, confront it head-on, and make whatever sacrifices are necessary to maintain their faith and secure their place in God's kingdom.

American Standard Version

And if thine eye cause thee to stumble, cast it out: it is good for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell;
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