Luke 11:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The light {G3088} of the body {G4983} is {G2076} the eye {G3788}: therefore {G3767} when {G1875} thine {G4675} eye {G3788} is {G5600} single {G573}, thy {G4675} whole {G3650} body {G4983} also {G2532} is {G2076} full of light {G5460}; but {G1161} when {G3752} thine eye is {G5600} evil {G4190}, thy {G4675} body {G4983} also {G2532} is full of darkness {G4652}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The lamp of your body is the eye. When you have a ‘good eye,’ [that is, when you are generous,] your whole body is full of light; but when you have an ‘evil eye,’ [when you are stingy,] your body is full of darkness.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

The lamp of thy body is thine eye: when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when it is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:34 presents Jesus' teaching on the profound connection between one's inner spiritual disposition and their outward life, using the metaphor of the eye as the body's lamp. Just as a healthy eye allows light to fill the body, a "single" or sincere spiritual focus leads to a life characterized by truth and clarity. Conversely, an "evil" or self-centered eye results in spiritual darkness, obscuring one's moral and spiritual path and leading to actions rooted in confusion and sin. This verse underscores the critical importance of cultivating an internal state of purity and right intention, as it dictates the spiritual illumination or obscurity of one's entire being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of teachings by Jesus in [Luke 11](/luke/11 "Luke 11 - Teachings on Prayer, Casting Out Demons, and Signs"). Immediately preceding it, Jesus has just responded to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul ([Luke 11:14-23](/luke/11-14-23 "Luke 11:14-23 - Jesus and Beelzebul")), and He has delivered the "sign of Jonah" teaching, emphasizing that His presence and words are the ultimate sign, not miraculous displays ([Luke 11:29-32](/luke/11-29-32 "Luke 11:29-32 - The Sign of Jonah")). The verses following this one discuss the importance of not hiding one's light ([Luke 11:33](/luke/11-33 "Luke 11:33 - Lamp on a Stand")) and then launch into a series of woes against the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness ([Luke 11:37-54](/luke/11-37-54 "Luke 11:37-54 - Woes to the Pharisees")). Thus, [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "Luke 11:34 - The Eye as the Body's Lamp") serves as a pivotal bridge, moving from the external demand for signs to the internal condition of spiritual perception and the moral implications of one's inner state. It highlights that true understanding and spiritual light come from within, not merely from outward observation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, the eye was commonly understood as the primary organ through which light entered the body, enabling perception and navigation. This physical reality provided a natural metaphor for spiritual understanding. The concept of the "evil eye" (Greek: _ophthalmos poneros_) was widespread in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean cultures, often associated with envy, covetousness, malice, or a grudging spirit that could bring harm or misfortune to others. Conversely, a "good eye" or "single eye" (Greek: _ophthalmos haplous_) was understood to signify generosity, sincerity, integrity, and a clear, unmixed intention. Jesus' audience, familiar with these cultural idioms, would have readily grasped the spiritual implications: one's inner disposition, particularly regarding wealth and generosity (as seen in the parallel passage in [Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22-23 "Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body")), profoundly affects their entire spiritual and moral outlook.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. It emphasizes **spiritual discernment** and the **holistic nature of human existence**, where inner intentions profoundly shape outward actions. The contrast between light and darkness is a pervasive biblical theme, representing truth, purity, and God's presence versus sin, ignorance, and spiritual blindness. Jesus consistently calls for a **purity of heart** and a **singular devotion** to God, warning against divided loyalties (e.g., [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - Serving God and Money")). This teaching also foreshadows the woes against the Pharisees, whose external righteousness masked an internal "evil eye" of hypocrisy and self-interest, leading to spiritual darkness despite their religious observance. Ultimately, [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "Luke 11:34 - The Eye as the Body's Lamp") underscores that true spiritual illumination stems from an uncorrupted inner disposition, aligned with God's will and generosity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **light (Greek, _lýchnos'_):** From the base of λευκός (leukos), meaning "white" or "bright," _lýchnos_ refers to a portable lamp or other illuminator. In this context, it functions metaphorically to describe the eye's role in allowing spiritual insight or understanding to enter and illuminate the entire person, much like a lamp lights a room.
* **single (Greek, _haploûs'_):** Probably from a particle of union (A) and the base of πλέκω (plekō, "to plait" or "fold"), _haploûs_ literally means "folded together" or "simple." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of being clear, sincere, undivided, generous, or healthy in one's intentions and focus. A "single eye" implies an unmixed, pure, and healthy spiritual outlook.
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** From a derivative of πόνος (ponos, "to toil" or "labor"), _ponērós_ signifies something hurtful, evil, or malicious, particularly in its effect or influence. It contrasts with _kakos_ (which refers to essential character) and _sapros_ (degeneracy). In the context of the eye, _ponērós_ refers to a diseased, jaundiced, covetous, or malevolent outlook, leading to harmful spiritual consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The light of the body is the eye:"** This opening clause establishes the central metaphor. Just as the physical eye is the conduit through which light enters to enable the body to navigate and perceive the physical world, so too is the spiritual "eye"—representing our inner focus, intention, or spiritual perception—the conduit through which spiritual truth and light enter our being. It highlights the eye's critical function as the gateway to illumination.
* **"therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light;"** Following the initial premise, Jesus presents the positive consequence of a healthy spiritual "eye." If one's inner focus is "single" (_haplous_), meaning sincere, undivided, generous, or pure in intention, then the entire person ("thy whole body") will be "full of light." This signifies a life characterized by spiritual clarity, truth, righteousness, and moral integrity, where actions and thoughts are illuminated by divine wisdom.
* **"but when [thine eye] is evil, thy body also [is] full of darkness."** This clause presents the stark contrast and negative consequence. If one's inner focus or intention is "evil" (_poneros_), implying a covetous, malicious, selfish, or grudging disposition, then the entire person will be "full of darkness." This indicates a life dominated by spiritual blindness, moral confusion, sin, and a lack of divine insight, where actions are driven by corrupt motives and lead to spiritual decay.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:34 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and clarity. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the physical eye is used to represent one's inner spiritual disposition, intention, or worldview. This metaphor extends to the "light" and "darkness" that fill the body, symbolizing spiritual understanding and righteousness versus spiritual ignorance and sin. The verse also employs striking **Antithesis**, presenting a clear contrast between the "single" eye and the "evil" eye, and their respective outcomes: being "full of light" versus being "full of darkness." This stark opposition emphasizes the critical choice and its profound consequences. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the use of "light" and "darkness" as traditional biblical symbols for good/evil, truth/falsehood, and divine presence/spiritual absence. The "eye" itself becomes a symbol for one's inner moral and spiritual compass, highlighting the internal source of external behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of spiritual life, emphasizing that true spiritual health originates from an internal disposition rather than external circumstances or rituals. It underscores the holistic nature of humanity, where the inner "eye" or heart's condition directly dictates the spiritual state of the entire person. Theologically, it aligns with the biblical emphasis on the purity of heart as foundational to seeing God and living righteously. It challenges believers to cultivate an undivided focus on God, a generous spirit, and sincere intentions, recognizing that a corrupted inner life inevitably leads to spiritual darkness and moral decay. This teaching serves as a powerful call to self-examination and repentance, urging us to guard our hearts and minds, for they are the wellspring of life.

* [Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22-23 "Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:34 serves as a timeless and piercing reminder that our inner world profoundly shapes our outer reality. In an age saturated with information and distractions, where our "eye" is constantly bombarded by various inputs, Jesus' words challenge us to consider what we are allowing to inform our perspective. Is our inner "eye" fixed on truth, generosity, and the things of God, leading to a life "full of light"? Or is it consumed by selfishness, covetousness, envy, or the fleeting concerns of the world, plunging us into spiritual "darkness"? This verse calls for intentional spiritual discipline: to guard our hearts, to be discerning about what we consume (mentally, emotionally, spiritually), and to cultivate a pure and undivided devotion to Christ. It means actively choosing to see the world through God's lens, seeking His kingdom first, and allowing His light to illuminate every aspect of our lives, transforming our character and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are you allowing to capture your "eye" or focus most often in your daily life? How is this impacting your spiritual state?**
* **In what areas of your life might your "eye" be "evil" (e.g., marked by envy, greed, or a critical spirit)? What steps can you take to cultivate a "single" eye of generosity and purity?**
* **How does cultivating a "single eye" contribute to living a life that reflects God's light to the world around you?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by the "single eye" (ἁπλοῦς - haplous)?**

Answer: The "single eye" refers to a spiritual disposition that is pure, sincere, undivided, and generous. It implies a clear, unmixed intention, often contrasted with a double-mindedness or a focus on worldly gain. In the parallel passage in [Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22-23 "Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"), this concept is directly linked to one's attitude towards money and serving God, suggesting that a "single eye" is one that is not covetous but rather focused on heavenly treasures and God's will. It signifies spiritual health and integrity, leading to a life filled with spiritual light and clarity.

**What does the "evil eye" (πονηρός - ponērós) signify in this context?**

Answer: The "evil eye" signifies a spiritual disposition that is corrupted, malicious, covetous, or grudging. It represents an inner state characterized by selfishness, envy, or a jaundiced view of others and the world. This is not merely about physical sight but about one's inner intentions and moral outlook. When the "eye" is "evil," it means one's spiritual perception is clouded by sin and self-interest, leading to a life "full of darkness"—marked by moral confusion, unrighteous actions, and spiritual blindness. It is the opposite of the generous and pure "single eye."

**How does this teaching relate to physical vision or blindness?**

Answer: While Jesus uses the physical eye as a metaphor, His teaching in [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "Luke 11:34 - The Eye as the Body's Lamp") is primarily about spiritual vision and the inner state of a person, not physical sight. Just as a healthy physical eye enables one to navigate the physical world, a healthy spiritual "eye" enables one to perceive and navigate the spiritual and moral realities of God's kingdom. The physical analogy helps to illustrate the profound impact of one's inner disposition on their entire being, whether leading to spiritual clarity ("full of light") or spiritual confusion and sin ("full of darkness"). The verse underscores that true spiritual understanding and righteousness flow from an uncorrupted heart and a singular focus on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:34 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Our "eye" being "single" means fixing our gaze upon Him, for in Him alone is perfect clarity, truth, and spiritual illumination. He is the one who reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus and the Father")) and brings us out of darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")). The "evil eye" represents the fallen human condition, blinded by sin and self-interest, unable to perceive spiritual truth. But through Christ's atoning sacrifice, our spiritual eyes are opened, and our hearts are cleansed, enabling us to see God and His kingdom with a "single" and pure intention. As believers, we are called to reflect His light, becoming lamps ourselves ([Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14-16 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")), shining forth the truth and love of Christ into a world still shrouded in darkness, all because our "eye" is fixed on Him, the source of all light.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Matthew 6:23

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!

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Psalms 119:18

¶ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Romans 11:8

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

Romans 11:10

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Jeremiah 5:21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: