Matthew 6:22

Authorized King James Version

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

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
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#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
be
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#15
ὅλον
whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#16
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
σῶμά
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#18
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#19
φωτεινὸν
full of light
lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)
#20
ἔσται·
shall be
will be

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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