Definition: And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:9. It's a really important and somewhat complex idea about forgiveness and dealing with conflict. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about how to handle a serious disagreement or offense – something that bothers you deeply. It suggests that when you truly hate someone or something, the best course of action is to cut off contact completely and leave. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And if thine eye offend thee…” : This means you are experiencing a negative feeling – anger, hurt, disappointment – about something. It's recognizing that you have a problem. “…pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee” : This is the crucial part. "Pluck it out" means to remove the offending thought or emotion. “Cast it from thee” means to completely leave it behind – to not allow it to affect you anymore. It’s about actively choosing to let go of the negativity. “it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.” : This is the shocking part! "Hell fire" represents eternal punishment or separation from God. “Entering into life” means continuing to live and experience a relationship with God. "Having two eyes" symbolizes having a complete and healthy relationship with God – a full, bright view of Him. But... “rather than…” : This is the key. It’s better to not have any more of that negative feeling influence your life. It's better to remain peaceful and whole, even if it means staying apart from the person who caused the offense. So, what does this mean practically? The verse encourages us to: Don’t let anger fester. Holding onto resentment will only hurt you more in the long run. Choose forgiveness (even when it's hard). It acknowledges that sometimes, we need to forgive someone, even if they don't deserve it. Prioritize peace over confrontation. Sometimes, letting go of a conflict is the healthiest and most productive path forward. Important Note: This verse isn’t about never confronting someone. It’s about how to confront them – through complete separation to protect your own well-being and relationship with God. In short, it's a powerful reminder that sometimes the best way to deal with conflict is to simply walk away. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretation of the biblical text and should not be taken as definitive religious advice. Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within a specific context (like forgiveness or reconciliation)?