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Mat 5:29. Ὁ δεξιὸς, the right) The right, strictly speaking in the case of the hands, is most useful and most precious, thence also, it is mentioned in the case of the eyes, feet, etc.-See Zec 11:17; Exo 29:20.-σκανδαλίζει, is a stumbling-block to) so that you should see wrongly; as in the case of your hand, so that you should act wrongly.-ἔξελε αὐτὸν, pluck it out) not the eye absolutely, but the eye which is a stumbling-block, i.e., make all things hard to thyself, until it cease to be a stumbling-block to thee. Not the organ itself, but the concupiscence which animates the eye or hand is meant: for this is the soul of the eye where that organ proves a stumbling-block; in like manner as soon afterwards the body is said for the [whole] man [soul as well as body]. He who, where his eye proves a stumbling-block, takes care not to see, does in reality blind himself. On the other hand, a man might pluck out his material eye, and yet cherish concupiscence within. A similar mode of expression occurs in Coloss. Mat 3:5, where the apostle says-Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, etc. A negative maxim is frequently expressed by affirming the opposite.-See Mat 5:39-40, and ch. Mat 6:17.-βάλε, cast) with earnestness. The expression βληθῇ, be cast) in the next verse has reference to this.-συμφέρει, it is profitable) to thy salvation. Not only is it not hurtful, but also it will be glorious.-ἀπόληται, should perish) True self-abnegation is not of less amount than the loss of an eye, etc.: and it is so necessary that it is better to be deprived of an eye itself, than to sin with the eye, unless the sin may be separated from the eye. An eye which is actually plucked out, as in the case of a martyr, will be restored in the resurrection.-ἕν τῶν αελῶν σου, one of thy members) Many, indeed, have been destroyed by neglecting the mortification of one member, as, for example, the gullet.-ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου, thy whole body) If one member sin, the whole man sins and pays the penalty.-γέενναν, hell) of eternal fire.-See ch. Mat 18:8, etc.