from ὀπτάνομαι; a sight, i.e. (by implication) the eye:--eye.
Transliteration:ómma
Pronunciation:om'-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὄμμα (omma - `{{G3659}}`) is derived from the verb ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai - `{{G3700}}`), which means "to appear, be seen, look, behold." Consequently, the base definition of ὄμμα is "a sight." By implication, this refers to the physical organ responsible for sight, namely "the eye." While often translated simply as "eye," ὄμμα subtly differs from the more common Greek word for eye, ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos - `{{G3788}}`). ὄμμα can carry a nuance that emphasizes the *faculty* of vision, the *act* of seeing, or the *gaze* itself, rather than solely the anatomical structure. It points to the capacity for perception and the instrument through which that perception occurs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ὄμμα (omma - `{{G3659}}`) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[Luke 11:34]]:** "The lamp of the body is your eye (ὄμμα). When your eye (ὄμμα) is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness."
* **Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' teaching on the "light of the body," immediately following the parable of the lamp and preceding a warning against inner darkness. Jesus emphasizes the critical importance of one's inner spiritual state.
* **Analysis:** In this profound metaphorical statement, ὄμμα transcends its literal meaning of a physical eye. It represents one's spiritual perception, moral outlook, or inner disposition. A "healthy" ὄμμα (ἁπλοῦς - haplous, often translated "sound," "sincere," or "single-minded") indicates a pure, undivided heart and a singular focus on God's will. This spiritual integrity allows divine light to fill the entire person. Conversely, a "bad" ὄμμα (πονηρός - poneros, "evil," "diseased," or "covetous") signifies a corrupt, divided, or self-serving disposition. Such an inner state leads to spiritual darkness, even if one outwardly claims to see. The choice of ὄμμα here, rather than ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos - `{{G3788}}`), may subtly highlight the *quality* of one's inner vision or the *gaze* of the soul, emphasizing the spiritual faculty of discernment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai - `{{G3700}}`):** The root verb from which ὄμμα is derived, meaning "to appear, be seen, look, behold." This connection reinforces the intrinsic link of ὄμμα to the act and capacity of seeing.
* **ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos - `{{G3788}}`):** The more common Greek word for the physical "eye." While both can be translated "eye," ὀφθαλμός is generally used for the anatomical organ (e.g., in references to blindness or "an eye for an eye"), whereas ὄμμα in its sole New Testament usage takes on a deeper, metaphorical meaning concerning spiritual perception.
* **φῶς (phos - `{{G5457}}`):** "Light." In [[Luke 11:34]], the condition of the ὄμμα directly determines whether the body is filled with light or darkness, signifying spiritual illumination or spiritual ignorance.
* **σκοτία (skotia - `{{G4653}}`):** "Darkness." The antithetical concept to light in [[Luke 11:34]], representing spiritual blindness or moral depravity resulting from a "bad" ὄμμα.
* **καρδία (kardia - `{{G2588}}`):** "Heart." Often the biblical locus of one's inner being, thoughts, intentions, and spiritual state. The "eye" (ὄμμα) in [[Luke 11:34]] functions as a metaphor for the outward expression or gateway of the "heart's" spiritual condition.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet potent, use of ὄμμα in [[Luke 11:34]] carries profound theological implications:
* **Spiritual Discernment and Purity:** The "eye" (ὄμμα) serves as a metaphor for one's spiritual perception and moral compass. A "healthy" or "sound" eye signifies a heart that is pure, undivided in its devotion, and focused solely on God. This spiritual integrity allows divine truth and light to permeate one's entire being, guiding actions and thoughts.
* **The Source of Inner Illumination or Darkness:** Jesus' teaching reveals that the quality of this inner "eye" determines the spiritual state of the whole person. If one's spiritual vision is clear, sincere, and directed towards righteousness, their life will be characterized by spiritual light. Conversely, if this inner vision is corrupted by covetousness, duplicity, or evil intentions, the individual will be enveloped in spiritual darkness, even if they outwardly appear religious.
* **Integrity and Singleness of Purpose:** The "healthy eye" (ἁπλοῦς) speaks to the biblical concept of integrity and a singular, unwavering focus on God. This resonates with other teachings of Jesus about serving one master ([[Matthew 6:24]]) and seeking first the Kingdom of God ([[Matthew 6:33]]). The ὄμμα is thus the crucial gateway through which spiritual reality is apprehended, profoundly impacting one's spiritual vitality and life's direction.
* **Warning Against Spiritual Blindness:** The "bad eye" (πονηρός) serves as a stark warning against spiritual duplicity, hypocrisy, or a covetous spirit that distorts one's perception of truth. Such a condition leads to a perilous state of spiritual darkness, where one is truly blind to God's light despite believing they possess insight.
### Summary
ὄμμα (omma - `{{G3659}}`) is a Greek noun derived from ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai - `{{G3700}}`), denoting "a sight" or, by extension, "the eye." While related to ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos - `{{G3788}}`), ὄμμα carries a nuance emphasizing the faculty of vision or the gaze. Its singular occurrence in the New Testament, specifically in [[Luke 11:34]], is exceptionally significant. Here, Jesus employs ὄμμα metaphorically to represent one's spiritual perception, inner disposition, and moral orientation. A "healthy" ὄμμα signifies spiritual integrity, a pure heart, and an undivided focus on God, resulting in spiritual light that illuminates the entire person. Conversely, a "bad" ὄμμα denotes a corrupted, divided, or covetous spirit, leading to profound spiritual darkness. Thus, ὄμμα in this context profoundly underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment and the purity of one's inner vision for walking in God's truth and light.
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