Lexical Summary monophthalmos: One-eyed Original Word: μονόφθαλμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance with one eye. From monos and ophthalmos; one-eyed -- with one eye. see GREEK monos see GREEK ophthalmos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom monos and ophthalmos Definition having one eye NASB Translation one eye (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3442: μονόφθαλμοςμονόφθαλμος, μονόφθαλμον (μόνος, ὀφθαλμός) (Vulg.luscus, Mark 9:47), deprived of one eye, having one eye: Matthew 18:9; Mark 9:47. (Herodotus, Apollod., Strabo, (Diogenes Laërtius, others; (Lob. ad Phryn., p. 136; Bekker Anecd. 1:280; Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 209; Winer's Grammar, 24).) Topical Lexicon Canonical Context Strong’s 3442 appears only in Matthew 18:9 and Mark 9:47, where Jesus teaches that it is “better…to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell” (Matthew 18:9). The restricted distribution highlights the term’s weight: it belongs exclusively to Christ’s discourse on radical discipleship and eternal destiny. Literary Function in the Synoptic Tradition The “one-eyed” condition functions as graphic hyperbole. By presenting a bodily loss most people instinctively dread, Jesus intensifies the call to ruthless self-denial. The same unit of teaching also mentions cutting off a hand or foot (Matthew 18:8; Mark 9:43-45), but only the loss of an eye is labeled with a specific descriptor, underscoring sight as the primary gateway for temptation (compare Matthew 6:22-23). Old Testament Background While Mosaic Law forbade the maiming of others (Exodus 21:24-25), it never commanded self-mutilation. Jesus therefore invokes the imagery, not the literal act, to press home Deuteronomy 6:5—love for God “with all your soul.” The prophets often connected spiritual perception with covenant obedience (Isaiah 6:9-10; Jeremiah 5:21); entering life “with one eye” dramatizes choosing covenant fidelity at any cost. Theology of Radical Obedience 1. Seriousness of Sin. Sin, if unopposed, ends in Gehenna. The contrast—“life” versus “hell”—allows no neutral space. Spiritual Sight and Blindness The single eye also symbolizes undivided devotion. Jesus earlier taught, “If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22). Therefore, the text warns against divided vision—trying to follow Christ while indulging lust (1 John 2:16) or envy (James 3:16). “One eye” can thus be read as the integrated inner life that looks steadfastly to Christ (Hebrews 12:2). Patristic and Jewish Reception Early rabbis treated self-mutilation as forbidden, confirming that Jesus spoke figuratively. Church Fathers such as Origen, Chrysostom, and Augustine insisted the command aims at the “inordinate affections” rather than at literal surgery. Their homilies repeatedly apply the verse to guarding the senses and severing occasions of sin—books, friendships, or entertainments that draw the heart away from God. Pastoral and Missional Applications • Personal Holiness: Believers are to identify and “gouge out” any practice—digital, relational, financial—that drags them toward sin (Romans 13:14). Practical Considerations for Ministry 1. Maintain the metaphor while affirming the sanctity of the body; discourage self-harm. Forms and Transliterations μονοφθαλμον μονόφθαλμον monophthalmon monóphthalmonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 18:9 Adj-AMSGRK: σοί ἐστιν μονόφθαλμον εἰς τὴν NAS: life with one eye, than KJV: life with one eye, rather than INT: for you it is one-eyed into the Mark 9:47 Adj-AMS |
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