It is important to remember that Jesus is speaking in a categorical form, using words for the sake of emphasis and memory (as he does also in Luke 14:26). In this case he wants to make it clear that kingdom citizens should take decisive measures to control their sinful desires and not give them free reign (see Colossians 3:5–6). 1 Since evil arises in the heart (see Matthew 15:19), amputation cannot cure it. 2 Nevertheless, believers must deal drastically with sin. 3 It is better to suffer and lose an important appendage than what it is to lose everything at final judgment. 4 Perseverance in sin and unbelief leads to hell. 5
30 Et si ta main droite est pour toi une occasion de chute, coupe-la et jette-la loin de toi; car il est avantageux pour toi qu'un seul de tes membres périsse, et que ton corps entier n'aille pas dans la géhenne.