Matthew 6:22
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.