Luke 11:35

KJV

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take heed {G4648} therefore {G3767} that the light {G5457} which {G3588} is in {G1722} thee {G4671} be {G2076} not {G3361} darkness {G4655}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So take care that the light in you is not darkness!

Berean Standard Bible

Be careful, then, that the light within you is not darkness.

American Standard Version

Look therefore whether the light that is in thee be not darkness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:35 delivers a profound and urgent warning from Jesus, urging individuals to vigilantly guard their inner spiritual state and perception. Following His teaching on the eye as the lamp of the body, this verse underscores the critical importance of ensuring that one's internal "light"—representing understanding, conscience, and spiritual discernment—does not become corrupted or distorted into darkness, leading to profound spiritual deception and moral blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Jesus' broader discourse on spiritual perception and the nature of true light. Immediately preceding [Luke 11:35](/luke/11-35 "Luke 11:35 - The Warning of Inner Light") are the verses [Luke 11:33-34](/luke/11-33-34 "Luke 11:33-34 - The Lamp and the Eye"). Jesus begins by stating that a lamp is not hidden but placed on a stand to give light, a metaphor for the revelation of truth. He then transitions to the "eye" as the "lamp of the body," explaining that if one's eye is "single" (pure in intention, healthy in perception), the whole body is full of light. Conversely, if the eye is "evil" (corrupted by selfish motives or distorted understanding), the body is full of darkness. [Luke 11:35](/luke/11-35 "Luke 11:35 - The Warning of Inner Light") serves as the solemn conclusion and application of this metaphor, emphasizing the danger of internal spiritual corruption. This teaching finds a significant parallel in [Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22-23 "Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"), indicating its foundational importance in Jesus' ethical and spiritual instruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, light was universally understood as a symbol of truth, knowledge, guidance, and goodness, while darkness represented ignorance, error, evil, and chaos. Lamps were essential for daily life, providing illumination in homes and on journeys. The metaphor of the "eye" as the "lamp of the body" resonates with ancient philosophical and medical understandings that viewed the eye not merely as an organ of sight but as a conduit for light, influencing the entire person's perception and well-being. The concept of an "evil eye" was also prevalent, though here Jesus reinterprets it not as a magical curse but as an internal spiritual condition—a heart and mind corrupted by sin or distorted priorities. This teaching would have challenged common assumptions, redirecting attention from external superstitions to internal moral and spiritual integrity.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:35](/luke/11-35 "Luke 11:35 - The Warning of Inner Light") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Discernment and Perception**, stressing that true understanding comes from an uncorrupted inner state, not merely intellectual assent. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Internal Purity and Integrity**, asserting that one's moral compass and spiritual orientation ("the light which is in thee") must be guarded against distortion. Thirdly, the verse warns against the profound danger of **Self-Deception**, where individuals may believe they possess truth or light, but are in fact steeped in spiritual error or moral darkness. This theme is crucial as Jesus frequently confronts those who are outwardly religious but inwardly corrupt (e.g., [Luke 11:37-54](/luke/11-37-54 "Luke 11:37-54 - Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers")). Finally, it subtly points to the **Nature of True Discipleship**, which requires a radical reorientation of one's inner being towards God's truth, as opposed to superficial adherence to religious rituals.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take heed (Greek, _skopéō'_):** From G4648, meaning "to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard:--consider, take heed, look at (on), mark." This imperative verb conveys a strong sense of vigilance, careful observation, and intentional guarding. It's not a passive suggestion but an active command to be watchful and discerning about one's inner spiritual condition.
* **light (Greek, _phōs'_):** From G5457, meaning "luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):--fire, light." In this context, _phōs_ signifies spiritual illumination, truth, understanding, moral purity, and divine revelation. It represents the inner capacity for spiritual perception and the presence of truth within a person.
* **darkness (Greek, _skótos'_):** From G4655, meaning "shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively):--darkness." This word stands in stark contrast to "light" and represents spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, sin, error, and separation from divine truth. Its presence within implies a profound state of spiritual blindness and deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take heed therefore":** This opening phrase, using the Greek _skopéō_ (take heed) and _oûn_ (therefore), functions as a solemn warning and a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding verses. It calls for immediate and serious attention, urging the listener to apply the principles just taught about the eye as the body's lamp. The "therefore" links this warning directly to the state of one's spiritual perception.
* **"that the light which is in thee":** This refers to one's inner spiritual capacity, understanding, conscience, and moral compass. It's the internal faculty by which one perceives truth, discerns good from evil, and processes spiritual information. This "light" is not external revelation, but the internal reception and embodiment of it. It implies an inherent spiritual awareness or the presence of God's truth within a person's being.
* **"be not darkness":** This is the core warning. The danger is not merely the absence of light, but the perversion of what *should be* light into its opposite. It speaks to a state of profound spiritual deception where one believes they are enlightened or morally upright, but are in fact living in error, sin, or spiritual blindness. This is a more dangerous condition than mere ignorance, as it involves a self-deceiving conviction of possessing truth while actually being steeped in spiritual obscurity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the "light which is in thee" serves as a metaphor for one's inner spiritual state, understanding, conscience, and capacity for truth. This metaphor is extended from the preceding verses where the "eye" is the "lamp of the body," establishing a consistent symbolic framework. **Antithesis** is clearly evident in the stark contrast between "light" and "darkness," highlighting the absolute opposition between spiritual truth and spiritual error. This binary choice underscores the critical nature of the warning. The verse also functions as a direct **Warning** or **Exhortation**, using the imperative "Take heed" to impress upon the listener the seriousness of the spiritual condition being described. Finally, there is an element of **Paradox** in the idea that "light" itself could become "darkness," emphasizing the profound and insidious nature of spiritual corruption that can masquerade as truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:35 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of light as a metaphor for divine truth, righteousness, and the very presence of God, while darkness symbolizes sin, ignorance, and separation from God. This verse warns against the internal corruption that can lead to a state where one's capacity for spiritual discernment is so distorted that what they perceive as truth is, in reality, error. It speaks to the critical importance of maintaining a pure heart and mind, as these are the conduits through which divine light is received and processed. The ultimate source of this light is God Himself, and Jesus, as the incarnate Word, is the perfect embodiment of this light, illuminating the path to salvation and truth. The warning here is a call to constant self-examination and reliance on God's Spirit to prevent spiritual blindness.
* [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"): "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
* [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light"): "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light."
* [1 John 1:5-7](/1_john/1-5-7 "1 John 1:5-7 - God is Light"): "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:35 serves as a timeless and piercing challenge for every believer to engage in rigorous self-examination concerning their spiritual perception and the integrity of their inner life. It calls us to consider not just *what* we believe, but *how* we believe it, and the underlying motives that shape our understanding. Are we truly open to God's truth, or are we allowing personal biases, unconfessed sin, worldly influences, or even religious pride to distort our spiritual vision? This verse warns against the insidious danger of spiritual self-deception, where one lives in a state of internal darkness while falsely believing themselves to be enlightened. True spiritual health demands a constant vigilance, a willingness to confront our blind spots, and a humble posture before God's Word and Spirit. It compels us to seek genuine illumination, ensuring that our inner "light" remains pure and aligned with divine truth, preventing the catastrophic tragedy of mistaking darkness for light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are potential sources of "darkness" that could corrupt my inner "light" (my understanding, conscience, or spiritual discernment)?**
* **How can I actively "take heed" to ensure my spiritual perception remains clear and aligned with God's truth?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly embracing "darkness" while believing it to be "light"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a purer "eye" and a more discerning spirit, as described in the preceding verses?**

### FAQ

**What does "the light which is in thee" refer to in Luke 11:35?**

Answer: "The light which is in thee" refers to one's inner spiritual capacity, understanding, conscience, and moral compass. It's the internal faculty by which a person perceives truth, discerns good from evil, and processes spiritual information. It signifies the presence of spiritual truth or the potential for spiritual illumination within an individual. When Jesus speaks of the "eye" as the "lamp of the body" in [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "Luke 11:34 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"), He is referring to this inner spiritual perception. If this inner "eye" is healthy and pure ("single"), it allows divine light to fill one's entire being. Conversely, if it is "evil" or corrupted, it leads to internal darkness.

**How can one ensure their inner light does not become darkness?**

Answer: Ensuring one's inner light does not become darkness requires intentional and continuous spiritual vigilance. Firstly, it involves cultivating a pure heart and sincere motives, as highlighted in [Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the Pure in Heart"). Secondly, it necessitates constant exposure to and obedience to God's Word, which is described as a "lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" in [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp"). Thirdly, engaging in regular prayer and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit is crucial, as the Spirit leads believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Finally, it means humbly submitting to spiritual accountability and being open to correction, preventing self-deception and the insidious creep of spiritual error.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:35 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine light. While the verse warns against the danger of internal spiritual darkness, Jesus declares Himself to be "the light of the world" in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), promising that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. He is the perfect "eye" or "lamp" for humanity, illuminating the path to God and revealing divine truth. The "light which is in thee" for the believer is ultimately derived from Christ Himself, as we are called to be "children of light" in the Lord ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light")). The warning in [Luke 11:35](/luke/11-35 "Luke 11:35 - The Warning of Inner Light") underscores the necessity of remaining intimately connected to Christ, the true source of all spiritual illumination. If we drift from Him, our internal capacity for truth becomes corrupted, leading to a state where what we perceive as light is, in fact, profound darkness, a tragic spiritual blindness that only a return to the "Sun of Righteousness" ([Malachi 4:2](/malachi/4-2 "Malachi 4:2 - The Sun of Righteousness")) can dispel. Thus, the fulfillment of guarding our inner light is found in continually fixing our "eye" on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus")).

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

Proverbs 16:25

¶ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

1 Corinthians 1:19

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

2 Peter 1:9

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!