Luke 11:35
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 10
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
that the light
G5457
φῶς
that the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
5 of 10
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.Revelation 3:17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:2 Peter 1:9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.Romans 1:22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
Historical Context
First-century Pharisaism prided itself on superior Torah knowledge and scrupulous observance. This 'light' of religious achievement blinded many to their need for grace and failure to recognize Messiah. Jesus's warning challenged the foundation of Pharisaic self-confidence—their religious system itself might be darkness masquerading as light.
Questions for Reflection
- What religious convictions or practices might you be trusting as 'light' while they actually represent spiritual darkness?
- How can you distinguish between genuine spiritual illumination and false confidence in your own understanding?
- What tests might reveal whether the 'light' in you is authentic truth or mere human tradition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness (Σκόπει οὖν μὴ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος ἐστίν)—the imperative skopei (take heed, watch carefully) warns against self-deception. One can possess what they consider 'light' (phōs) while actually dwelling in 'darkness' (skotos). This paradox describes those confident in their spiritual insight yet fundamentally blind—the Pharisees' exact condition. They considered themselves Israel's spiritual guides (Matthew 23:16, 24) while rejecting the Light of the World.
Paul later warns of those 'having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof' (2 Timothy 3:5). Presumed light that is actually darkness represents the most dangerous spiritual state—false assurance preventing repentance. Jesus warns his hearers to examine whether their theological confidence rests on truth or tradition.