Matthew 6:23

KJV

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!

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1437} thine {G4675} eye {G3788} be {G5600} evil {G4190}, thy {G4675} whole {G3650} body {G4983} shall be {G2071} full of darkness {G4652}. If {G1487} therefore {G3767} the light {G5457} that is {G2076} in {G1722} thee {G4671} be darkness {G4655}, how great {G4214} is that darkness {G4655}!

Complete Jewish Bible

but if you have an `evil eye' [if you are stingy] your whole body will be full of darkness. If, then, the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Berean Standard Bible

But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

American Standard Version

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 the darkness!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:23 concludes Jesus' teaching on the "eye" as the "lamp of the body," emphasizing the profound spiritual consequences of one's inner disposition. If the "eye"—representing one's spiritual outlook, perspective, or inner disposition, particularly concerning material possessions and worldly values—is "evil" or corrupted by covetousness and self-interest, then the entire being is plunged into spiritual darkness. The verse then highlights the catastrophic nature of this condition: if the very light intended to guide a person is itself distorted into darkness, the resulting spiritual blindness and moral depravity are immeasurable and devastating.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "The Sermon on the Mount"), specifically within a section (Matthew 6:19-24) that contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures. It immediately follows [Matthew 6:22](/matthew/6-22 "Matthew 6:22 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"), where Jesus declares the eye to be the "lamp of the body," implying that the eye determines the body's overall state of light or darkness. The passage culminates in the stark declaration that "No one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")), underscoring the impossibility of simultaneously pursuing God and material wealth (mammon). Thus, verse 23 serves as a severe warning about the spiritual peril of a misdirected inner vision, linking it directly to the pursuit of worldly gain.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, the "eye" was often understood as the window to the soul or the seat of one's inner disposition and intention. The concept of an "evil eye" (Greek: _poneros_ as in this verse) in Jewish thought did not primarily refer to a magical curse, but rather to a disposition of stinginess, envy, or covetousness. This contrasts with a "good" or "single" eye, which signified generosity, sincerity, and a clear, undivided focus. Jesus' audience would have understood "evil eye" in this moral and spiritual sense, connecting it to a heart consumed by greed rather than a generous spirit. The pervasive metaphors of light and darkness were also deeply ingrained, representing truth, righteousness, and divine presence versus ignorance, sin, and spiritual death, respectively.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 6:23](/matthew/6-23 "Matthew 6:23 - The Evil Eye and Darkness") contributes significantly to several key themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It underscores the theme of **inner disposition** as foundational to outward action and spiritual reality, emphasizing that true righteousness begins in the heart. It highlights the stark **contrast between light and darkness**, portraying light as spiritual clarity and divine truth, and darkness as spiritual blindness and moral corruption. Furthermore, it directly addresses the theme of **covetousness and materialism**, linking an "evil eye" to a worldly focus that obstructs spiritual vision and leads to profound spiritual darkness, reinforcing the call to seek first [God's kingdom and righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eye (Greek, _ophthalmós_):** While literally referring to the organ of sight, in this context, it functions metaphorically. As per the Strong's definition, it implies "vision" or "sight" in a broader sense, and figuratively, "envy (from the jealous side-glance)." Here, it represents one's inner spiritual perception, outlook, or disposition, particularly concerning values, priorities, and material possessions.
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós_):** This word describes something "hurtful," "culpable," "vicious," or "malicious." In this specific context, especially when contrasted with the "single" or "good" eye of the preceding verse, _ponērós_ denotes a spiritual state of covetousness, stinginess, envy, or a morally corrupt and self-serving perspective. It signifies a disposition that is spiritually unhealthy and detrimental.
* **darkness (Greek, _skótos_):** Derived from a base meaning "shadiness," _skótos_ refers to "obscurity (literally or figuratively)." Here, it is used figuratively to denote spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, spiritual blindness, or a state of being alienated from divine truth and light. The repetition of this word emphasizes the profound and pervasive nature of this spiritual condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thine eye be evil,"**: This clause sets up the conditional premise. Following the previous verse's declaration that the eye is the "lamp of the body," Jesus introduces the negative counterpoint. An "evil eye" (referring to a spiritual disposition of covetousness, envy, or a grasping, self-centered outlook) is presented as the root cause of spiritual malady. It's not about physical vision, but the spiritual lens through which one perceives and values the world.
* **"thy whole body shall be full of darkness."**: This is the immediate consequence of an "evil eye." "Thy whole body" represents the entirety of one's being—mind, will, emotions, and actions. If the inner spiritual perception is corrupted, the entire person becomes spiritually darkened. This darkness signifies a state of moral depravity, spiritual ignorance, and a life lived without the illuminating truth of God.
* **"If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,"**: This is a profound and chilling rhetorical question. "The light that is in thee" refers to what *should* be the source of spiritual illumination—one's conscience, understanding, moral compass, or capacity for spiritual discernment. Jesus poses a terrifying scenario: what if the very faculty meant to guide and enlighten is itself corrupted and transformed into darkness? This implies a deep-seated perversion of one's inner being.
* **"how great is that darkness!"**: This exclamation underscores the extreme severity and tragic nature of such a condition. If the inner "light" becomes "darkness," the resulting spiritual blindness is not merely partial but absolute and overwhelming. It signifies a state of profound spiritual depravity from which recovery is exceedingly difficult, as the very means of perceiving truth has been corrupted.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:23 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the physical "eye" and "body" are used to represent one's inner spiritual disposition and the entirety of one's being. The "eye" functions as a metaphor for spiritual perception or the heart's orientation, while the "body" symbolizes the whole person. This creates a vivid image of how internal spiritual health dictates one's overall spiritual state. **Contrast** is also central, as Jesus starkly opposes "light" and "darkness." Light represents truth, righteousness, and spiritual clarity, while darkness signifies spiritual blindness, sin, and moral corruption. This binary opposition emphasizes the absolute nature of the choice and its consequences. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful use of **Hyperbole** in the exclamation, "how great is that darkness!" This exaggerated statement serves to emphasize the immense and devastating nature of spiritual blindness when one's internal guide is itself corrupted, leaving no hope for illumination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of spiritual vision and moral integrity. It teaches that our inner disposition, particularly regarding our relationship with material possessions and worldly values, fundamentally shapes our spiritual reality. An "evil eye," characterized by covetousness and a self-serving spirit, blinds the entire person to God's truth, leading to a pervasive spiritual darkness. This is not merely a lack of light, but a corruption of the very capacity to perceive light, making the condition exceptionally perilous. It underscores the biblical principle that the heart's condition dictates one's spiritual trajectory, emphasizing the critical need for a pure and undivided focus on God.

* [Luke 11:34-36](/luke/11-34-36 "Luke 11:34-36 - The Lamp of the Body")
* [Proverbs 28:22](/proverbs/28-22 "Proverbs 28:22 - The Stingy Man")
* [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:23 serves as a profound spiritual mirror, inviting us to examine the true orientation of our hearts. It challenges us to consider what we truly value and how our inner "eye"—our spiritual outlook and priorities—is directed. If our focus is consumed by worldly accumulation, envy, or self-interest, Jesus warns that our entire being will be enveloped in spiritual darkness, hindering our ability to discern God's will and walk in His truth. This verse calls for radical self-assessment: is the "light" within us truly light, or has it become distorted by sin and worldly pursuits? Our spiritual health hinges on maintaining a clear, "single" eye, fixed on heavenly treasures and the kingdom of God, ensuring that the light of Christ truly illuminates every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "evil eye" mean to me in my daily life, beyond just financial covetousness?**
* **In what areas of my life might my "light" be turning into "darkness," and how can I seek God's illumination there?**
* **How does my inner disposition towards material things or worldly success affect my overall spiritual clarity and walk with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a "single eye" focused on God's kingdom and righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What is the "evil eye" Jesus refers to in Matthew 6:23?**

Answer: In this context, the "evil eye" (Greek: _ponērós_) does not refer to a magical curse or a physical ailment. Instead, it is a metaphor for a person's inner spiritual disposition, specifically one characterized by stinginess, covetousness, envy, or a morally corrupt and self-serving outlook. It stands in direct contrast to the "single" or "good" eye mentioned in [Matthew 6:22](/matthew/6-22 "Matthew 6:22 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"), which signifies generosity, sincerity, and an undivided focus on God. Therefore, an "evil eye" signifies a heart that is spiritually unhealthy, focused on earthly treasures rather than heavenly ones, leading to spiritual darkness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:23, with its stark warning about the "evil eye" leading to profound darkness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ, who is the very **Light of the World**. Humanity, blinded by sin and an "evil eye" fixed on worldly desires, was plunged into the spiritual darkness described in this verse. However, Jesus came to bring true spiritual sight, declaring, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Through His atoning work, Christ opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, transforming their inner disposition from one of covetousness and self-interest to one of generosity and devotion to God. He is the ultimate "light" that dispels all darkness, offering not merely a moral code but a radical spiritual transformation. As [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts") proclaims, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Thus, the "great darkness" of a corrupted inner light is overcome by the glorious light of Christ, who enables us to see with a "single eye" fixed on Him and His eternal kingdom.

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

1 John 2:11

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

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.

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!

Isaiah 5:21

Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

1 Corinthians 3:18

¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1 Corinthians 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.