Luke 11:36
If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
4 of 23
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ὅλον
the whole
G3650
ὅλον
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
6 of 23
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
φωτεινὸν
be full of light
G5460
φωτεινὸν
be full of light
Strong's:
G5460
Word #:
7 of 23
lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχον
having
G2192
ἔχον
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 23
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μέρος
part
G3313
μέρος
part
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
11 of 23
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
φωτεινὸν
be full of light
G5460
φωτεινὸν
be full of light
Strong's:
G5460
Word #:
14 of 23
lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)
ὅλον
the whole
G3650
ὅλον
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
15 of 23
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 23
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
17 of 23
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λύχνος
of a candle
G3088
λύχνος
of a candle
Strong's:
G3088
Word #:
19 of 23
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 20:27The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.Proverbs 6:23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Proverbs 1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Historical Context
Ancient oil lamps provided dim, flickering light compared to modern electric lighting. Jesus's reference to a lamp's 'bright shining' (astrapē, the same word for lightning) emphasizes the dramatic, comprehensive illumination God provides to those with pure hearts—stark contrast to fumbling in darkness despite external religious activity.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of your life remain in 'partial darkness' despite claiming faith—hidden sins, unexamined beliefs, areas resisting transformation?
- How does the promise of total illumination challenge compartmentalized Christianity separating 'spiritual' from 'secular' life?
- What would it look like for Christ's light to illuminate every corner of your life—thoughts, motives, relationships, possessions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light (εἰ οὖν τὸ σῶμα σου ὅλον φωτεινόν, μὴ ἔχον μέρος τι σκοτεινόν, ἔσται φωτεινὸν ὅλον ὡς ὅταν ὁ λύχνος τῇ ἀστραπῇ φωτίζῃ σε)—Jesus describes total illumination, internal consistency where no 'part' (meros) remains in darkness. This represents complete spiritual transformation, not partial enlightenment. The simile compares comprehensive illumination to a lamp's bright flash (astrapē, lightning, sudden brightness).
This concludes Jesus's teaching on spiritual perception (vv.33-36). The solution to darkness isn't more external signs but internal transformation—a 'single' eye (v.34) fixed on God, resulting in total illumination. The Pharisees' problem wasn't lack of evidence but corrupted hearts preventing them from seeing truth.