Luke 11:34

Authorized King James Version

The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
λύχνος
The light
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
#3
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
σῶμά
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#5
ἐστιν·
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὀφθαλμός
eye
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#8
ὅταν
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#9
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ὀφθαλμός
eye
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#12
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#13
ἁπλοῦς
single
properly, folded together, i.e., single (figuratively, clear)
#14
is
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#15
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ὅλον
whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#17
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σῶμά
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#19
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#20
φωτεινόν
full of light
lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)
#21
ἐστιν·
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#22
ἐπὰν
when
a particle of indefinite contemporaneousness; whenever, as soon as
#23
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#24
πονηρὸς
evil
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
#25
is
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#26
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
σῶμά
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#29
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#30
σκοτεινόν
is full of darkness
opaque, i.e., (figuratively) benighted

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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