Matthew 18:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 18:9

Hell fire. A synonym for the "everlasting fire" of the previous verse, and the "unquenchable fire" of the Baptist's warning ( Matthew 3:12 ), and to be understood in the same sense. It is good to be saved even with the loss of all that makes earthly life happy and precious. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 18:8-9

If thy hand ... - See the notes at Matthew 5:29-30. The sense in all these instances is the same. Worldly attachments, friendships, and employments of any kind, that cannot be pursued without leading us into sin, be they ever so dear to us, must be abandoned, or the soul will be lost.It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed ... - It is not meant, by this, that when the body shall be raised it will be maimed and disfigured in this manner. It will be perfect. See 1 Corinthians... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 18:7-9

Matthew 18:7-9. Wo unto the world because of offences That is, unspeakable misery will be in the world through them: for it must needs be that offences come Such is the nature of things, and such the weakness, folly, and wickedness of mankind, that it cannot be but they will come: but wo to that man That is, miserable is that man; by whom the offence cometh. Offences are all things whereby any one is turned out of or hindered in the way of God. If thy hand, foot, eye, offend thee, ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:1-14

78. Lessons in humility (Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 18:1-14; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:44-50)Despite Jesus’ statement to his disciples that he was heading towards humiliating suffering and death (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45), they were arguing among themselves about who would have the important places in his kingdom. Jesus rebuked them, explaining that the way to spiritual greatness is through choosing the lowest place and serving others. To enter the kingdom of God, people must... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 18:9

And if thine eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is good for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire.See on Matthew 18:8, above. The lesson is identical in these cases and is repeated for emphasis. Special attention is directed to the Saviour's teaching on eternal punishment. See notes on Matthew 25:41. See under Matthew 5:29,30. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 18:5-14

The seriousness of impeding the progress of a disciple 18:5-14 (cf. Mark 9:37-50; Luke 9:48-50)The major sub-theme of this discourse is offenses (Gr. skandalon, stumbling blocks). The humble disciple will be careful not to put a stumbling block in the path of another disciple as that one proceeds toward the kingdom. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 18:8-9

Jesus next warned His disciples about the possibility of their doing what the world does, namely, making it difficult for another disciple to fulfill his or her mission for Jesus. In the context, one’s competitive pride of position might cause another disciple to stumble (Matthew 18:1). The illustrations Jesus used recall Matthew 5:29-30, where He also urged His disciples to discipline their thoughts and motives.The point of this section was the seriousness of rejecting or opposing Jesus’... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Matthew 18:9

18:9 offend (g-5) That is, 'be a snare to,' verb from Skandalon . see Note, ch. 13.57. hell (i-35) Gehenna. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 18:1-35

Offending the Little Ones. The Unmerciful Servant1-14. Ambition reproved, and humility taught by the example of a little child (Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48).1. Who is the greatest?] RV ’Who then is greatest?’ The ’then’is explained from St. Mark’s statement that on the way to Capernaum the disciples had been disputing who was the greatest. The Transfiguration had revived the hopes of the three leading apostles that the Kingdom of Christ was about to be established, and the Twelve were divided... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 18:8-9

(8, 9) If thy hand or thy foot offend thee.—(See Notes on Matthew 5:29-30.) The disciples had heard the words before in the Sermon on the Mount, but their verbal reproduction, sharpened as by a special personal application addressed not to the multitude but to the Twelve, gave them a new and solemn emphasis. read more

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