Luke 11:34

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

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."

Commentary

This verse uses a metaphor to explain the profound connection between our inner state and our outward life. Jesus compares the eye to the "lamp" or "light" (φῶς - phōs) of the body. Just as the physical eye allows light to enter and guide the body's movements, our inner "eye"—representing our focus, intention, perspective, or spiritual outlook—determines the spiritual state of our entire being.

Key Concepts

  • The Eye as the Body's Lamp: This is an ancient concept acknowledging the eye's vital role in perception and navigation. Jesus uses this physical reality as a spiritual analogy.
  • "Single" Eye (ἁπλοῦς - haplous): The Greek word here means simple, sincere, focused, or generous. When the eye is "single" or healthy, it implies a clear, undivided focus, perhaps on God, righteousness, or generous giving (as the parallel in Matthew 6 links this to wealth and service). This results in the whole person being "full of light"—operating with clarity, truth, and goodness.
  • "Evil" Eye (πονηρός - poneros): The Greek word means wicked, bad, or diseased. In this context, it often refers to a jaundiced, covetous, or selfish outlook. An "evil" eye suggests a focus on greed, envy, or worldly concerns that obscures spiritual vision. This leads to the whole person being "full of darkness"—acting with confusion, sin, and spiritual blindness.

Meaning and Application

Jesus is teaching that our inner disposition and where we fix our gaze (spiritually and morally) profoundly impact our character and actions. A clear, sincere, and God-focused perspective illuminates our path and fills our lives with spiritual "light." Conversely, a selfish, greedy, or darkened perspective leads to spiritual blindness and actions characterized by "darkness." This serves as a powerful reminder to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring our inner "eye" is fixed on what is good and true.

Cross Reference

A very similar teaching appears in the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 6:22-23.

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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: