Matthew 18:08-09 Jesus Makes a Poem about the Causes of Sin

In Matthew 18:08-09, Jesus makes a poem using wordplay with the terms “Offend” and “Dispose.”


“Offend or Stumble” תכשילך
“Dispose” ותשליכה

Matthew 18:8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin {“Offend or Stumble” (תכשילך)}, cut it off and throw {“Dispose” (ותשליכה)} it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin {“Offend or Stumble” (תכשילך)}, pluck it out and throw {“Dispose” (ותשליכה)} it away.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament