Matthew Chapter 6 · Verse 22
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λύχνος
The light
G3088
λύχνος
The light
Strong's:
G3088
Word #:
2 of 20
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
4 of 20
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμός
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμός
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
7 of 20
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 20
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
9 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμός
eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμός
eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
11 of 20
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ἁπλοῦς
single
G573
ἁπλοῦς
single
Strong's:
G573
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, folded together, i.e., single (figuratively, clear)
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
14 of 20
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ὅλον
whole
G3650
ὅλον
whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
15 of 20
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
17 of 20
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.Colossians 3:22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Historical Context
The eye was understood in ancient medicine as receiving and transmitting light to the body. Jesus uses this physiological understanding as metaphor for spiritual perception. A healthy eye receives light properly; healthy spiritual perception receives God's truth rightly and illuminates the whole life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the health of your 'spiritual eye' (your understanding and priorities) affect your entire life direction?
- What does 'single' versus 'evil' eye suggest about the danger of divided loyalties between God and worldly concerns?
Analysis & Commentary
The metaphor of the eye as the body's lamp teaches that spiritual perception (understanding) affects the whole person. A 'single' eye (Greek 'haplous'—simple, clear, focused) represents undivided devotion to God and results in a life full of light (truth, righteousness, joy). This continues the theme of wholehearted service to God versus divided loyalties. Clear spiritual vision comes from single-minded focus on God's kingdom and righteousness.