Matthew 6:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 6:23
23 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!
Chapter Context
Matthew 6 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 6:23
23 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!
Analysis
An 'evil eye' represents distorted spiritual perception—covetousness, envy, stinginess, or divided loyalty—resulting in darkness pervading the whole life. The sobering warning 'if therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!' indicates that corrupted spiritual understanding leads to deepest delusion. Those who think they see but are actually blind are in worst spiritual condition. This anticipates Jesus' condemnation of Pharisees who claimed sight but were blind guides (Matthew 23:16-24).
Historical Context
Hebrew and Greek idioms used 'evil eye' to denote stinginess and envy (Proverbs 23:6, 28:22). In context, Jesus warns against covetousness and divided heart between God and money. Spiritual blindness convinced of its own sight is most dangerous form of darkness.
Reflection
- How can you recognize when your spiritual perception has been darkened by wrong priorities or divided loyalties?
- What does the phrase 'how great is that darkness' teach about the danger of self-deception in spiritual matters?
Cross-References
- Light: Matthew 6:22, Isaiah 8:20, Ephesians 5:8
- Darkness: Ephesians 4:18, 1 John 2:11
- Evil: Jeremiah 4:22
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 26:12, Luke 8:10, Romans 1:22, 1 Corinthians 2:14