Luke 11:36

KJV

If thy whole body therefore [be] full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} thy {G4675} whole {G3650} body {G4983} therefore {G3767} be full of light {G5460}, having {G2192} no {G3361}{G5100} part {G3313} dark {G4652}, the whole {G3650} shall be {G2071} full of light {G5460}, as {G5613} when {G3752} the bright shining {G796} of a candle {G3088} doth give {G5461} thee {G4571} light {G5461}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If, then, your whole body is filled with light, with no part dark, it will be wholly lighted, as when a brightly lit lamp shines on you.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

If therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining doth give thee light.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:36 concludes Jesus' teaching on the "lamp of the body," emphasizing the profound spiritual reality that a life fully surrendered to divine truth and purity will be entirely permeated by light. This verse serves as a positive affirmation, illustrating that when one's inner perception and disposition are aligned with God's will, every aspect of their being becomes illuminated, dispelling all spiritual darkness and radiating God's presence, much like a lamp fully illuminates a space.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jesus' discourse on the "lamp of the body," which begins in [Luke 11:33](/luke/11-33 "No One Lights a Lamp to Hide It"). Jesus first states that a lamp is meant to give light, not be hidden. He then transitions in [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "The Eye as the Lamp of the Body") to explain that the eye is the "lamp of the body." If the eye is "good" or "single" (as in Matthew's parallel in [Matthew 6:22](/matthew/6-22 "The Eye as the Lamp of the Body")), the whole body is full of light; but if it is "evil," the body is full of darkness. [Luke 11:35](/luke/11-35 "Beware Lest the Light Be Darkness") warns against the possibility of the "light" within becoming darkness. Luke 11:36 then functions as the positive counterpoint and summary, reiterating the ideal state of complete inner illumination. This entire section is part of a broader challenge by Jesus to the superficiality and hypocrisy of those who seek signs but fail to grasp true spiritual understanding, contrasting with the genuine pursuit of God's truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, lamps (like the `lýchnos` mentioned) were essential for daily life, providing the only source of light indoors after sunset. They were simple clay or metal vessels holding oil and a wick. The imagery of light and darkness was deeply embedded in Jewish thought, often symbolizing truth versus error, good versus evil, or God's presence versus spiritual ignorance. The concept of the "eye" as a conduit for light or darkness was also well-understood. A "good eye" (often translated as "generous" or "single" in other contexts, like [Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22-23 "The Eye as the Lamp of the Body")) referred to a healthy, uncorrupted spiritual perception, while an "evil eye" implied envy, malice, or a distorted worldview. Jesus' teaching here draws upon these common cultural metaphors to convey profound spiritual truths about inner disposition and its outward manifestation.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is **Spiritual Wholeness and Integrity**, emphasizing that true spiritual light is not partial but permeates one's entire being. This concept of internal purity is foundational, contrasting with outward religious observance that lacks inner transformation, a critique Jesus often leveled against the Pharisees (e.g., [Luke 11:39-40](/luke/11-39-40 "Woes to the Pharisees")). Another key theme is **Inner Illumination as a Prerequisite for Outward Witness**. The light originates from within, suggesting that a life filled with divine truth will naturally radiate outward, influencing and illuminating those around it. This echoes the call for believers to be "the light of the world" found in [Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14-16 "You Are the Light of the World"). Finally, the passage subtly points to **Jesus as the Source of Light**, as He is the ultimate "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of the World")), and being "full of light" implies being filled with His truth and presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **whole (Greek, _hólos'_):** This word signifies "complete" or "all," encompassing extent, amount, time, or degree. In Luke 11:36, it emphasizes that every single part of the body, representing the entire person—mind, will, emotions, and actions—must be permeated by light, leaving no area untouched or hidden.
* **full of light (Greek, _phōteinós'_):** Derived from `phōs` (light), this adjective means "lustrous," "transparent," or "well-illuminated." It describes a state of being thoroughly filled with light, suggesting clarity, purity, and the absence of obscurity or hiddenness. Spiritually, it implies a life characterized by truth and divine presence.
* **dark (Greek, _skoteinós'_):** From `skótos` (darkness), this word means "opaque" or, figuratively, "benighted." It refers to a state of being without light, implying spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, or hidden sin. The verse's emphasis on "having no part dark" underscores the call for complete spiritual integrity and transparency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thy whole body therefore be full of light":** This conditional clause sets the premise for the verse's central affirmation. The "whole body" refers to the entirety of a person's being—their thoughts, intentions, words, and deeds. To be "full of light" means to be thoroughly illuminated by divine truth, purity, and righteousness, reflecting a transformed inner disposition.
* **"having no part dark":** This negative phrasing reinforces the preceding clause by stressing the absolute nature of this illumination. It implies that there should be no hidden areas, no unconfessed sins, no compromised motives, and no spiritual ignorance remaining within the person. Every aspect of one's life is brought into the light of God's scrutiny and presence.
* **"the whole shall be full of light":** This is the consequence or result of the condition being met. If the premise of complete inner illumination and transparency is true, then the entire person will indeed manifest that light. This reiterates the idea of spiritual wholeness and integrity as a lived reality.
* **"as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light":** This simile provides a tangible illustration of the spiritual truth. Just as a lamp (candle) fully illuminates a physical space, dispelling all shadows, so too does the divine light, when fully embraced, illuminate every corner of one's spiritual being, making it radiant and transparent. The "bright shining" (astrapē) emphasizes the intensity and clarity of this light.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:36 employs several effective literary devices. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the "body" is a metaphor for the entire person, and "light" and "darkness" are metaphors for spiritual truth, purity, and goodness versus sin, ignorance, and evil. The "eye" (from the preceding verses) is also a metaphor for one's inner perception or spiritual disposition, serving as the "lamp" that determines the body's illumination. The verse also uses **Simile** ("as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light"), comparing the spiritual illumination of the whole person to the complete physical illumination provided by a lamp. This makes the abstract concept of spiritual light more accessible and relatable. Furthermore, the use of **Contrast** between "light" and "dark" (specifically "no part dark") highlights the binary nature of spiritual states and the call for absolute purity. The emphasis on "whole" (Greek: `hólos`) through **Repetition** ("thy whole body... the whole shall be full of light") underscores the comprehensive nature of the desired spiritual transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:36 stands as a powerful call to spiritual integrity and transparency before God. It moves beyond mere external observance to demand an inner transformation where every aspect of one's being is brought under the illuminating power of divine truth. This holistic light is not just about avoiding sin, but about actively embracing God's righteousness, allowing His presence to permeate one's thoughts, motives, and actions. It implies a radical honesty with oneself and with God, refusing to harbor any hidden areas of darkness or compromise. Such a life, fully illuminated, becomes a testament to God's transforming power and a beacon for others.

* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet")
* [1 John 1:5-7](/1_john/1-5-7 "God Is Light")
* [Ephesians 5:8-9](/ephesians/5-8-9 "Walk as Children of Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:36 challenges us to a profound level of self-examination and spiritual sincerity. It prompts us to consider whether there are any hidden "dark" corners in our lives—areas of unconfessed sin, unaddressed bitterness, secret compromises, or distorted perspectives that we have not yet brought into the light of God's truth. This verse encourages us to pursue a radical transparency, not only before God but also in our walk with others, living a life where our inner disposition aligns perfectly with our outward actions. When our "eye"—our spiritual perception and intention—is truly "good" and focused on Christ, then our entire being becomes a vessel for His light, radiating His character and truth to the world around us. This is a call to holistic spiritual health, where every thought, word, and deed is illuminated by the presence of God, making us effective witnesses of His transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dark parts" might I be harboring in my life—thoughts, habits, or motives—that I have not yet fully exposed to God's light?**
* **How does my "eye" (my inner perception and disposition) influence the overall spiritual "light" or "darkness" of my life?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally cultivate a greater sense of spiritual transparency and integrity in my daily walk?**
* **If my whole body is truly full of light, how should that manifest in my interactions and influence on others?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "thy whole body... full of light"?**

Answer: Jesus uses the "body" as a metaphor for the entire person—their inner being, including thoughts, intentions, and character, as well as their outward actions and conduct. To be "full of light" signifies a state of complete spiritual purity, truth, and righteousness. It means that one's entire life is illuminated by God's presence and truth, leaving no room for spiritual darkness, sin, or hypocrisy. This light is not merely external adherence to rules but an internal transformation that permeates every aspect of one's existence, much like a room fully lit by a lamp has no shadows.

**How does this verse relate to the preceding verses about the "eye as the lamp of the body"?**

Answer: Luke 11:36 is the positive culmination and summary of Jesus' teaching that begins in [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"). In [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"), Jesus states that the eye is the "lamp of the body." If the eye (representing one's spiritual perception, focus, or inner disposition) is "good" or "single-minded," the whole body will be full of light. Conversely, if the eye is "evil" or "dark," the whole body will be full of darkness. [Luke 11:35](/luke/11-35 "Beware Lest the Light Be Darkness") then warns against the danger of the "light" within becoming darkness. Luke 11:36 provides the ideal outcome: if the inner "eye" is truly pure and focused, the resulting illumination will be complete and pervasive, just as a bright lamp leaves no part dark.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:36, while a profound teaching on spiritual integrity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and possibility in Christ. Jesus Himself is the "light of the world," as declared in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of the World"), and it is through union with Him that believers can truly become "full of light." We are called to "walk in the light, as he is in the light" ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "Walk in the Light")), which implies not merely imitation but participation in His divine nature. The "no part dark" ideal, unattainable by human effort alone, is made possible by the cleansing power of Christ's blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")) and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates our hearts and minds ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "The Eyes of Your Understanding Being Enlightened")). Therefore, to have one's "whole body... full of light" is to be so indwelt by Christ, the true Light, that His truth and purity permeate every aspect of one's being, transforming us into "children of light" who reflect His glory to a dark world ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Walk as Children of 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

Proverbs 20:27

¶ The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:19

The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Proverbs 6:23

For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life:

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:17

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.