Matthew 6:22

KJV

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

KJV (with Strong's)

The light {G3088} of the body {G4983} is {G2076} the eye {G3788}: if {G1437} therefore {G3767} thine {G4675} eye {G3788} be {G5600} single {G573}, thy {G4675} whole {G3650} body {G4983} shall be {G2071} full of light {G5460}.

Complete Jewish Bible

`The eye is the lamp of the body.' So if you have a `good eye' [that is, if you are generous] your whole body will be full of light;

Berean Standard Bible

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.

American Standard Version

The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:22, nestled within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, employs the metaphor of the eye to illuminate the profound connection between one's inner disposition and overall spiritual state. It posits that just as the physical eye is the conduit for light to the body, our spiritual "eye"—representing our focus, intention, and inner clarity—determines whether our entire being is filled with spiritual light or darkness, particularly in the context of our pursuit of God's kingdom versus worldly treasures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' discourse on true righteousness and spiritual priorities in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically within [Matthew 6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6 - True Righteousness and Prayer"). It immediately follows Jesus' teaching on storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")), serving as a metaphorical explanation for *how* one's focus on either heavenly or earthly treasures impacts their spiritual condition. The verse then directly precedes the stark declaration that "No one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")), thereby framing the eye's "singleness" as essential for undivided loyalty to God. The entire section from [Matthew 6:19-34](/matthew/6-19-34 "Matthew 6:19-34 - Do Not Worry") forms a cohesive unit addressing anxiety, material possessions, and the pursuit of God's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, the eye was universally understood as the primary organ for receiving light, essential for navigating the physical world. Beyond its literal function, the "eye" held significant metaphorical weight in Jewish thought. A "good eye" (Hebrew: *ayin tovah*) often connoted generosity, benevolence, and contentment, while an "evil eye" (*ayin ra'ah*) signified envy, greed, or a miserly disposition. This dualistic understanding, prevalent in wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 28:22](/proverbs/28-22 "Proverbs 28:22 - The Evil Eye")) and rabbinic teachings, provides the backdrop for Jesus' use of "single" (or "sound") eye versus "evil" eye. Jesus leverages this familiar cultural idiom to shift the focus from mere physical sight to profound spiritual perception and moral integrity, particularly concerning one's relationship with wealth and God.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 6:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Sermon on the Mount. Foremost among these is the theme of **inner disposition and authenticity**, emphasizing that true righteousness stems from the heart, not merely outward actions. It reinforces the theme of **spiritual priorities**, contrasting the fleeting nature of earthly treasures with the enduring value of heavenly ones. The concept of "light" and "darkness" is a pervasive biblical theme, here signifying **spiritual understanding, moral clarity, and divine illumination** versus spiritual blindness and confusion. Ultimately, the verse underscores the necessity of **single-minded devotion** to God and His kingdom, a core tenet of Jesus' teaching that culminates in the exhortation to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Light (Greek, _lýchnos'_):** from the base of λευκός; a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively):--candle, light. Here, "light" refers to the illumination that enables the body to function properly. Metaphorically, it signifies spiritual understanding, moral clarity, and divine guidance that fills one's life.
* **Eye (Greek, _ophthalmós'_):** from ὀπτάνομαι; the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance):--eye, sight. While literally referring to the organ of sight, in this context, "eye" functions as a metaphor for one's inner disposition, spiritual perception, focus, or intention. Its figurative meaning of "envy" (as suggested by the Strong's definition) is particularly relevant when contrasted with the "evil eye" in the subsequent verse.
* **Single (Greek, _haploûs'_):** probably from Α (as a particle of union) and the base of πλέκω; properly, folded together, i.e. single (figuratively, clear):--single. This crucial word describes the quality of the "eye." It means undivided, sincere, sound, healthy, or clear. In the context of the surrounding verses on wealth, it implies a heart singularly devoted to God, free from competing loyalties or a greedy, grasping disposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The light of the body is the eye":** This clause establishes the foundational analogy. Just as the physical eye is the essential gateway through which light enters the body, enabling it to see, navigate, and function, so too is there a spiritual "eye" that determines the spiritual state and direction of one's entire being. It highlights the critical role of perception and focus.
* **"if therefore thine eye be single":** Here, Jesus applies the analogy spiritually. The "eye" is no longer merely the physical organ but represents one's inner disposition, moral focus, or spiritual intention. To be "single" (Greek, _haploûs'_) means this inner focus is undivided, healthy, sincere, and clear. It implies a singular devotion, particularly to God and His kingdom, rather than being distracted or corrupted by worldly pursuits or a greedy mindset.
* **"thy whole body shall be full of light":** This is the profound consequence of a "single eye." If one's inner focus is pure and undivided, their entire life—their actions, thoughts, and character—will be permeated by spiritual light. This "light" signifies spiritual understanding, moral integrity, divine wisdom, and a life lived in alignment with God's will, free from the darkness of sin, confusion, or anxiety.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs **Metaphor** and **Analogy** in Matthew 6:22. The physical eye, the conduit for light to the body, serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual "eye"—the inner disposition or focus of an individual. The analogy is drawn between physical sight and spiritual perception, illustrating how the clarity and health of one's inner focus directly determine the spiritual state of their entire being. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the "single" eye of this verse and the "evil" eye mentioned in the very next verse ([Matthew 6:23](/matthew/6-23 "Matthew 6:23 - The Evil Eye")), highlighting the binary outcomes of spiritual focus: light or darkness. The phrase "thy whole body shall be full of light" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the pervasive and transformative impact of a pure, undivided spiritual focus on every aspect of one's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:22 is a profound statement on the nature of spiritual perception and its holistic impact on human existence. Theologically, it underscores the biblical emphasis on the heart (or inner being) as the wellspring of life, from which all actions and attitudes flow. Jesus teaches that true spiritual vitality and clarity are not external achievements but rather emanate from an undivided inner focus, particularly concerning one's ultimate allegiance. This verse connects the pursuit of God's kingdom with an internal state of purity and sincerity, suggesting that a lack of spiritual light is not due to an absence of divine revelation, but rather a corrupted or divided inner "eye" that prevents the light from entering and illuminating the whole person. It is a call to radical integrity, where one's spiritual priorities dictate their entire outlook and way of life.

* [Luke 11:34](/luke/11-34 "Luke 11:34 - The Lamp of the Body")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightened Eyes of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:22 serves as a timeless challenge to examine the true focus of our lives. In a world constantly vying for our attention and allegiance—whether through material possessions, social status, or personal ambition—Jesus calls us to a radical simplicity: a "single eye." This means cultivating an inner disposition that is uncorrupted, sincere, and singularly devoted to God and His kingdom. Practically, this involves regularly assessing our motivations, priorities, and the objects of our affection. Are we driven by a desire for heavenly treasures, or are our hearts subtly (or overtly) drawn to the fleeting allure of earthly gain? A "single eye" leads to spiritual clarity, moral integrity, and freedom from the anxieties that often accompany divided loyalties. It empowers us to live generously, to pursue righteousness without hypocrisy, and to see God's will with unclouded vision, allowing His light to permeate every facet of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for your "eye" to be "single" in today's complex and distracting world?**
* **How do material possessions, career ambitions, or social pressures compete for the "focus" of your inner eye?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more "single" eye, ensuring your primary devotion is to God and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus use the metaphor of the eye?**

Answer: Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye because it is the primary organ for receiving light, essential for physical navigation and perception. He leverages this familiar concept to illustrate how our inner disposition—our spiritual "eye"—functions as the gateway for spiritual light or darkness. Just as a healthy physical eye allows light to fill the body, a "single" or healthy spiritual eye allows divine light to illuminate our entire being, granting us clarity, integrity, and purpose in our walk with God.

**What is the meaning of "single" (haploûs) in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "single" is _haploûs'_ (G573), which implies undivided, sincere, sound, healthy, or clear. In the context of [Matthew 6:19-24](/matthew/6-19-24 "Matthew 6:19-24 - Treasures in Heaven"), it refers to a heart and mind singularly devoted to God and His kingdom, free from the competing allegiances of worldly wealth or divided priorities. It contrasts sharply with the "evil eye" mentioned in [Matthew 6:23](/matthew/6-23 "Matthew 6:23 - The Evil Eye"), which signifies a diseased, greedy, or covetous disposition that leads to spiritual darkness. A "single eye" is one that sees God as the sole treasure and ultimate priority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). A "single eye" is, at its core, an eye fixed upon Christ, the perfect embodiment of undivided devotion to the Father. Jesus' entire life was a demonstration of a perfectly "single eye," as He consistently declared, "I can do nothing on my own; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will")). Through His atoning work, Christ not only removes the darkness of sin but also illuminates our spiritual understanding, enabling our "eyes" to be opened to the truth of God's kingdom ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightened Eyes of the Heart")). When we behold Christ, the light of God's glory shines into our hearts ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")), transforming us into His image "from one degree of glory to another" ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")). Thus, to have a "single eye" is to have Christ as the singular focus of our lives, allowing His light to permeate and purify our entire being.

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

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.

Luke 11:36

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.

2 Corinthians 11:3

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.

Colossians 3:22

Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Ephesians 6:5

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;

Acts 2:46

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,