Introduction: Should We Pluck Out Our Eye?
The statement
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away”
(Matthew 5:29, NIV) is one of the most striking and perplexing teachings of Jesus. For centuries, Christians and scholars have debated whether this command is meant to be taken literally or if it serves as a hyperbolic metaphor. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and practical implications of this teaching. Should we literally pluck out our eye if it causes us to sin, or is there a deeper, more nuanced interpretation that applies to our spiritual lives today? By examining the biblical text, understanding the cultural background, and applying modern theological insights, we will answer this important question in detail.
The Context of Matthew 5:29
The Sermon on the Mount
To fully understand the command to pluck out one’s eye, it is essential to look at the broader context of where this teaching is found. Matthew 5:29 is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, which spans three chapters (Matthew 5-7). This sermon outlines the moral and ethical standards of the Kingdom of Heaven, and Jesus often contrasts the traditional Jewish law with the deeper spiritual truths He came to reveal.
In this passage, Jesus specifically addresses issues of lust and adultery. In verses 27-28, He says,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This statement shifts the focus from external actions to internal thoughts and desires. Jesus emphasizes that sin begins in the heart, not just through physical actions.
Radical Commitment to Holiness
Immediately following this teaching, Jesus introduces the radical statement about gouging out one’s eye or cutting off one’s hand if they cause sin (Matthew 5:29-30). These verses are hyperbolic expressions meant to convey the seriousness of sin and the lengths to which one should go to avoid it. Jesus is using shocking imagery to make a point about the severity of sin and the need for radical commitment to holiness.
Hyperbole in Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus frequently used hyperbole—exaggeration for effect—in His teachings. Other examples include the camel going through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24) and forgiving someone seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:22). These statements are not meant to be taken literally but are designed to emphasize the importance of the message. In this case, Jesus is not advocating self-mutilation but rather highlighting the extreme measures one should take to avoid sin.
Historical and Cultural Background
The Jewish Understanding of Sin and Purity
To grasp the full meaning of Jesus’ words, it’s helpful to understand how first-century Jews viewed sin and purity. The Jewish law placed a strong emphasis on outward purity, including regulations on clean and unclean foods, washing rituals, and other practices designed to maintain physical cleanliness. However, Jesus consistently taught that true purity comes from within. He rebuked the Pharisees for focusing on external cleanliness while neglecting the purity of their hearts (Matthew 23:25-28).
By telling His audience to pluck out their eye or cut off their hand, Jesus was challenging the traditional Jewish focus on external actions and pointing them toward an inward transformation. The eye and hand represent the instruments through which sin is committed, but the true source of sin is the heart and mind.
The Role of the Body in Temptation
In Jewish and Greco-Roman thought, the body was often seen as a vehicle for temptation. The eyes, in particular, were associated with lust and covetousness. In the Ten Commandments, the commandment against coveting (Exodus 20:17) specifically mentions the eyes as the gateway to desire. Similarly, Job declared,
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman”
(Job 31:1)
Jesus’ audience would have understood the symbolic nature of His statement about plucking out one’s eye. It was a call to control one’s desires and avoid the temptation that leads to sin. The eye and hand are not inherently sinful, but they can become instruments of sin when not controlled.
Theological Interpretation: A Call to Radical Discipleship
Sin Begins in the Heart
One of the central messages of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:29 is that sin is not merely a matter of external actions but begins in the heart. Lust, greed, anger, and other sins often manifest through the eyes and hands, but they originate in the inner person. Jesus’ call to pluck out one’s eye is a dramatic way of emphasizing the need for inner transformation.
The Apostle James echoes this idea in his epistle when he writes,
“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death”
(James 1:14-15)
The real battle against sin is fought in the mind and heart, not through external actions.
Radical Steps to Avoid Sin
While Jesus was not advocating literal self-mutilation, His teaching does call for radical action in avoiding sin. In modern terms, this might mean cutting off access to things that lead to temptation, whether that be certain media, relationships, or environments. Jesus is urging His followers to take whatever steps are necessary to guard their hearts and minds from sin.
In the same way that one would remove a cancerous tumor to prevent its spread, Jesus is calling for a spiritual “amputation” of anything that leads to sin. The metaphor of plucking out an eye or cutting off a hand is meant to convey the seriousness of sin and the urgency of dealing with it before it takes root.
The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus’ statement about plucking out one’s eye is also a reflection of the cost of discipleship. In another passage, Jesus says,
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me”
(Luke 9:23)
Following Jesus requires sacrifice and a willingness to give up anything that hinders one’s relationship with God.
For some, this may mean giving up certain habits, relationships, or even career opportunities that lead them away from God. The call to radical holiness is not about earning salvation but about living in a way that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.
Practical Application: How Should We Apply This Teaching Today?
Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
One of the key takeaways from this teaching is the importance of guarding our hearts and minds from sin. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is essential to be vigilant about what we allow into our lives. This may involve setting boundaries around media consumption, being selective about the people we associate with, and cultivating spiritual disciplines like prayer and Scripture reading.
The Apostle Paul offers similar advice when he writes,
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”
(Philippians 4:8)
By focusing on what is pure and good, we can avoid the temptation to sin.
Taking Sin Seriously
Another important lesson from this passage is the seriousness of sin. Jesus’ use of hyperbolic language emphasizes that sin is not something to be taken lightly. It has the power to separate us from God and damage our relationships with others. By calling His followers to pluck out their eyes or cut off their hands, Jesus is warning us about the destructive nature of sin and the need to deal with it decisively.
This teaching challenges us to examine our lives and ask, “What areas of my life are leading me into sin? What steps do I need to take to remove those temptations?” Whether it’s cutting off unhealthy relationships, setting boundaries around our use of technology, or seeking accountability from others, Jesus calls us to take radical steps to avoid sin.
The Role of Grace and Forgiveness
While this teaching emphasizes the need for radical action in avoiding sin, it’s important to remember that the Christian life is ultimately about grace. Jesus is not calling us to a life of legalism or self-righteousness but to a life of dependence on His grace and forgiveness.
In 1 John 1:9, we are reminded,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Even when we fall short, God’s grace is sufficient to forgive and cleanse us. The call to holiness is not about perfection but about a heart that seeks after God and desires to live in accordance with His will.
Conclusion: Should We Literally Pluck Out Our Eye?
In conclusion, Jesus’ command to pluck out one’s eye if it causes sin is not meant to be taken literally. Rather, it is a hyperbolic expression designed to convey the seriousness of sin and the need for radical action in avoiding it. Sin begins in the heart, and Jesus calls His followers to take whatever steps are necessary to guard their hearts and minds from temptation.
This teaching challenges us to examine our lives and ask, “What areas of my life are leading me into sin, and what steps can I take to remove those temptations?” Whether it’s setting boundaries, seeking accountability, or cutting off unhealthy influences, Jesus calls us to take sin seriously and pursue a life of holiness.
At the same time, we must remember that the Christian life is ultimately about grace. While we strive for holiness, we are not saved by our efforts but by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. In our pursuit of holiness, we can rest in the assurance that God’s grace is sufficient to forgive us when we fall short.
In the end, the call to pluck out one’s eye is a call to radical discipleship—a call to take sin seriously, pursue holiness, and rely on God’s grace every step of the way.