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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/6-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/40_Mat_06_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 6:22 - The Lamp of the Body" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The eye is the lamp of the body. 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If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/nlt/matthew/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. <a href="/esv/matthew/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, <a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/kjv/matthew/6.htm">King James Bible</a> The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/6.htm">New King James Version</a> “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then, if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/nasb/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “The lamp of the body is the eye; if therefore your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/lsb/matthew/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/amp/matthew/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. <a href="/csb/matthew/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/asv/matthew/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. <a href="/cev/matthew/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Your eyes are a window for your body. When they are good, you have all the light you need. <a href="/erv/matthew/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. <a href="/gwt/matthew/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is unclouded, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/gnt/matthew/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> "The eyes are like a lamp for the body. If your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light; <a href="/isv/matthew/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> "The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/msb/matthew/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/net/matthew/6.htm">NET Bible</a> "The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/nheb/matthew/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/wbt/matthew/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thy eye be single, thy whole body will be full of light. <a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eyesight is good, your whole body will be well lighted; <a href="/web/matthew/6.htm">World English Bible</a> “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The lamp of the body is the eye, if, therefore, your eye may be perfect, all your body will be enlightened, <a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. <a href="/ylt/matthew/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'The lamp of the body is the eye, if, therefore, thine eye may be perfect, all thy body shall be enlightened, <a href="/slt/matthew/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be light.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The lamp of your body is your eye. If your eye is wholesome, your entire body will be filled with light. <a href="/nabre/matthew/6.htm">New American Bible</a> “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The eye is the lamp of the body; if therefore your eye be clear, your whole body is also lighted. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But the lamp of the body is the eye; therefore if your eye shall be sound, your whole body also will be illuminated.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> The lamp of the body is the eye: if, therefore, your eye be sound, your whole body will be light: <a href="/godbey/matthew/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For the light of the body is the eye. If thine eye may be clear, thy whole body will he lighted.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be transparent, thy whole body shall be enlightened. <a href="/mace/matthew/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the eye is the light of the body: now if your eye be clear, your whole body will be enlightned. <a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eyesight is good, your whole body will be well lighted; <a href="/worrell/matthew/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"The lamp of the body is the eye. If, therefore, your eye be sound, your whole body will be full of light;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>The eye is the light of the body: if therefore thine eye be clear, thy whole body will be light;<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/6-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1396" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">The Lamp of the Body</a> 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmos (N-NMS) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eye</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3088.htm" title="3088: lychnos (N-NMS) -- A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator.">lamp</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōmatos (N-GNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body.</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmos (N-NMS) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ē (V-PSA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/573.htm" title="573: haplous (Adj-NMS) -- Single, simple, sound, perfect. Probably from a and the base of pleko; properly, folded together, i.e. Single.">good,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3650.htm" title="3650: holon (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; whole or all, i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.">whole</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-NNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estai (V-FIM-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">will be</a> <a href="/greek/5460.htm" title="5460: phōteinon (Adj-NNS) -- Bright, luminous, full of light. From phos; lustrous, i.e. Transparent or well-illuminated.">full of light.</a> 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/11-34.htm">Luke 11:34-36</a> Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body is full of darkness. / Be careful, then, that the light within you is not darkness. / So if your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, you will be radiant, as though a lamp were shining on you.” <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18-19</a> The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. / But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. <a href="/ephesians/1-18.htm">Ephesians 1:18</a> I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5-7</a> And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a> I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35-36</a> Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them. <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Proverbs 20:27</a> The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/psalms/18-28.htm">Psalm 18:28</a> For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness. <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a> to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-2</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. <a href="/colossians/1-12.htm">Colossians 1:12-13</a> giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. / He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light.light of.<a href="/luke/11-34.htm">Luke 11:34-36</a> The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness… single.<a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a> And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,<a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a> But 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.<a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5</a> Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-40.htm">Body</a> <a href="/matthew/2-12.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/psalms/97-4.htm">Enlightened</a> <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-6.htm">Eyesight</a> <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Good</a> <a href="/isaiah/62-1.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/daniel/2-31.htm">Single</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">True.</a> <a href="/matthew/5-30.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Body</a> <a href="/matthew/10-26.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Enlightened</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Eyesight</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Full</a> <a href="/matthew/7-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/mark/4-21.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/matthew/8-26.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/matthew/6-27.htm">Single</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/matthew/8-17.htm">True.</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 6</div>1. <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Giving to the Needy</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/6-5.htm">The Lord's Prayer</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Proper Fasting</a> 19. <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Store up Treasures in Heaven</a> 25. <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Do Not Worry</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">but seek God's kingdom.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical times, lamps were essential for providing light in dark places, symbolizing guidance and clarity. The eye, as the lamp, suggests that it is the means by which we perceive and understand the world around us. In a spiritual sense, the eye represents our focus and perspective. Just as a lamp illuminates a room, a healthy spiritual perspective illuminates our lives. This metaphor aligns with the Jewish understanding of the heart and mind as the center of moral and spiritual insight. The eye's function as a lamp is also reminiscent of <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, where God's word is described as a lamp to the feet, guiding the believer's path.If your eyes are good, The term "good" here can be understood as "healthy" or "clear." In the cultural context, a "good eye" was often associated with generosity and a positive outlook, while a "bad eye" was linked to greed and selfishness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the heart's condition affecting one's actions and perceptions. <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a> speaks of a "bountiful eye" that blesses others, indicating that a good eye is one that sees with compassion and kindness. The health of one's spiritual vision is crucial for discerning truth and living righteously.your whole body will be full of light. When the eye is healthy, it allows light to fill the body, symbolizing a life filled with understanding, wisdom, and righteousness. This phrase suggests that spiritual clarity and purity lead to a life illuminated by God's truth. The imagery of light is prevalent throughout Scripture, often representing God's presence and holiness, as seen in <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>, where Jesus declares Himself the light of the world. A life full of light reflects the transformative power of living in alignment with God's will, resulting in moral integrity and spiritual vitality.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples_and_the_crowd.htm">The Disciples and the Crowd</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing both His followers and the broader public. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a> The context in which this teaching is given, covering Matthew chapters 5-7, where Jesus outlines the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_eye_as_a_spiritual_gateway.htm">The Eye as a Spiritual Gateway</a> The "eye" symbolizes our perception and focus. Just as a lamp illuminates a room, our spiritual vision illuminates our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_clarity.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Clarity</a> "Good" eyes, translated from the Greek word "haplous," can mean healthy, single, or clear. This suggests a focus on purity and undivided devotion to God. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_spiritual_vision.htm">Guarding Our Spiritual Vision</a> Just as physical eyes can be affected by what they see, our spiritual eyes can be influenced by what we focus on. We must guard against distractions and temptations that lead us away from God's light. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light.htm">Living in the Light</a> When our spiritual vision is clear, our entire being is filled with God's light, leading to righteous living and discernment. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_spiritual_blindness.htm">The Consequences of Spiritual Blindness</a> Conversely, if our eyes are bad, our whole body is full of darkness. This highlights the danger of spiritual blindness and the need for repentance and realignment with God's truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 6</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'the_eye_is_the_lamp'_mean.htm">What does "The eye is the lamp" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_evil_eye_mean.htm">What does the evil eye mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_some_christians_feel_depressed.htm">If Christianity brings joy and peace, why do some believers struggle with depression and anxiety?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_sex_dreams.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on sexual dreams?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) The light of the body.-Literally, the lamp of the body. So in <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm" title="The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.">Proverbs 20:27</a>, "The spirit of man is the candle (or 'lamp') of the Lord"--that which, under the name of "conscience," the "moral sense," the "inner man" discerns spiritual realities, distinguishes right from wrong, gives the light by which we see our way. If this is "single," if it discerns clearly, all is well. The "whole body," the life of the man in all its complex variety, will be illumined by that light. The connection with what precedes lies on the surface. Singleness of intention will preserve us from the snare of having a double treasure, and therefore a divided heart.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 22, 23. - The light of the body is the eye, etc. Parallel passage: <a href="/luke/11-34.htm">Luke 11:34-36</a>, where it immediately follows the illustration of putting a lamp under the bushel (<a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Matthew 5:15</a>). The excessive difficulty of Luke's ver. 36 points to Luke having preserved on the whole the more original form of the saying; but it seems quite impossible to say which is its more original position. It suits the context quite as well in Matthew as in Luke, while the mere verbal similarity of λύχνος may have caused it to be placed in Luke after his ver. 33 (cf. ver. 24, infra, note). The light of the body; the lamp (Revised Version); ὁ λύχνος (<a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Matthew 5:15</a>, note). The thought of the power which treasure has of attracting the heart forms the transition to the need of a pure and steady "eye" heavenwards. The bodily eye is taken as the symbol of the outlooking power of the soul, not the soul - the inner man - itself, but its outlooking power. As the body is illuminated by the eye, i.e. as by the eye the bodily constitution learns its environment, and naturally, almost automatically, tends to accommodate itself to it, so is it with the gaze of the soul. If this be upon the things of this world, the soul perceives, and tends to accommodate itself to the things of this world; if upon things in heaven, it perceives, and tends to accommodate itself to, the things in heaven. The Authorized Version "light" is, therefore, imperfect, for the gaze of the soul is not "light" (φῶς), but a "lamp" (λύχνος). As the bodily eye is not itself light, but only an instrument for receiving and imparting light, so in the mere gaze of the soul there is no inherent light, but it is the means of receiving and imparting light to the soul. If therefore thine eye be single. The word "single" (ἁπλοῦς) presents some difficulty. (1) If it meant "undivided," it would doubtless continue the illustration of the lamp, with an undivided as contrasted with a divided wick, but it has no such meaning. (2) It states the opposite, not to divisions, but to folds (vide Trench, 'Syn.,' § 56.); it is "single" as opposed to "plicate," and therefore can hardly contain any direct reference to the lamp. Its meaning rather appears to be purely metaphorical, and the word seems to be applied 'directly to the functions of the eye in relation to the body. If the eye be "single" and (to use another but related metaphor) straightforward in its working, then the body receives through it the light that it ought to receive. So is it with the gaze of the soul in its effect on the inner man. (3) Perhaps, however, ἁπλοῦςη is here used in the sense of non-compound (cf. Plato, 'Rep.,' 547. E); in this case free from any foreign substance to bar the light from passing through it (cf. <a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3</a>, and Basil, 'De Spiritu Sancto,' 9. § 23, sqq.). Thy whole body shall be full of light (φωτινὸν ἔσται). Well-lighted in itself, and bright in appearance to others (cf. s, νεφέλη φωτινή, <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a>). The word chosen seems to indicate, not merely that the body is, through the eye, lighted, but also that it itself becomes in measure, like the eye, full of light for others. All one's powers become illumined with the Divine light, and the illumination shines through. But if thine eye be evil, etc. Evil (πονηρός); ver. 13, note. Vitiated, worthless. As an eye that does not fulfil its natural function, so is that gaze of the soul which is directed only earthward. To limit tiffs, with Lightfoot ('Hor. Hebr.'), to covetousness (cf. also Hatch, 'Essays,' p. 81), is far too partial an interpretation. Such an earthward and selfish gaze of the soul may often issue in selfishness as regards money (cf. <a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15</a>), but the full meaning of the phrase includes very much more. Thy whole body shall be full of darkness. What the heart craves to see it sees; but in this case, not light makes its entrance, but darkness, which, as in the case of the light, permeates the frame. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness; rather, is darkness; the change here to the indicative (εἰ... ἐστίν) indicating that the last preceding clause is assumed as fact. The light that is in thee. Our Lord does not say, "the light that comes through the eye," for he means more than this, viz. that the very information, so to speak, brought first by the outlook of the soul, comes into us and remains in us. He assumes that this, which ought to be light, is darkness. How great is that darkness! i.e. the darkness (Revised Version)just spoken of, which comes through the eye. So, probably, <a href="/luke/11-35.htm">Luke 11:35</a>. If' the gaze which should bring light brings only darkness, how terrible in its nature and effects must that darkness be! It is, however, possible to understand our Lord to refer in this verse to the natural darkness of the soul before it looks out of itself. In this case the thought is - you need a fixed gaze heavenwards; if your gaze is not heavenwards, it brings darkness instead of light; how black, then, must be the natural darkness! (cf. especially Trench, ' Sermon on the Mount'). It will be noticed that in these verses darkness, though scientifically only negative - the absence of light - is here represented as positive, because it is the symbol of sin and evil. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/6-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. eye ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the Ὁ (Ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. lamp λύχνος (lychnos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3088.htm">Strong's 3088: </a> A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. body. σώματός (sōmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. If ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. vision ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. is ᾖ (ē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. clear, ἁπλοῦς (haplous) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_573.htm">Strong's 573: </a> Single, simple, sound, perfect. Probably from a and the base of pleko; properly, folded together, i.e. Single. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. whole ὅλον (holon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3650.htm">Strong's 3650: </a> All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb. body σῶμά (sōma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. will be ἔσται (estai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. full of light. φωτεινὸν (phōteinon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5460.htm">Strong's 5460: </a> Bright, luminous, full of light. From phos; lustrous, i.e. Transparent or well-illuminated. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 6:22 The lamp of the body (Matt. 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