Matthew 6:23

Authorized King James Version

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ὀφθαλμός
eye
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#5
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#6
πονηρὸς
evil
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
#7
be
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#8
ὅλον
whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#9
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
σῶμά
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#11
σου
thine
of thee, thy
#12
σκοτεινὸν
full of darkness
opaque, i.e., (figuratively) benighted
#13
ἔσται·
shall be
will be
#14
εἰ
If
if, whether, that, etc
#15
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#16
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
φῶς
the light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#18
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
σοὶ
thee
to thee
#21
σκότος
be darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#22
ἐστίν,
that is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#23
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
σκότος
be darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#25
πόσον
how great
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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