What does Matthew 6:23 mean?

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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! Matthew 6:23

Explanation

Matthew 6:23 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus is teaching about the choices between Godly and earthly treasures. In this verse, the “evil eye” is a metaphor for a person who has a corrupt perspective—someone who is stingy, selfish, or envious. Jesus compares the eye to a lamp that lights the body. If the eye is “evil” or morally corrupt, it means that the individual’s perspective on life is darkened, and therefore, their whole life will be full of moral and spiritual darkness.

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This verse plays on the common understanding that eyes not only allow light in so we can see but are also seen as windows into a person’s being. In this sense, the “light” represents goodness and truth, while “darkness” is associated with evil and falsehood. If the light within a person is actually darkness due to their evil intentions or actions, Jesus raises the rhetorical question about the depth of that darkness, implying it’s profound and great.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience around the late first century. During this time, having an “evil eye” was a common Jewish expression that referred to being miserly or envious. On the other hand, a “good eye” indicated generosity. In the Jewish context, light was often associated with God’s presence and guidance, as seen in the Psalms and elsewhere in Jewish writings, whereas darkness was associated with ignorance of God and sinfulness.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse has been interpreted in several ways. Some see it teaching about the necessity of spiritual integrity and purity. For example, from an Evangelical perspective, it could reflect the importance of having Jesus as the ultimate guiding light in one’s life. A Catholic interpretation might put more emphasis on the detrimental effects of sin on the soul. In contrast, a mystical perspective might see it as a warning against the perils of spiritual blindness and a call to inner illumination.

Practical Applications

The verse can serve as a prompt for personal introspection on one’s values and perspective on life. In practical terms, one could reflect on how their attitudes and choices impact their spiritual health. It encourages individuals to consider whether they are focusing on self-serving desires or seeking to live with integrity and virtue, which has positive effects on themselves and others.

Cross-References

Luke 11:34-35: “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. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.”
Proverbs 28:22: “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”
Ephesians 5:8: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase “evil eye” is “οὖν ἐὰν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρός” (eon ean ho ophthalmos sou ponēros). The word “πονηρός” (ponēros) translates to “evil” and can also mean bad, wicked, or ethically wrong. The word “ὀφθαλμός” (ophthalmos) simply means “eye.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of an “evil eye” exists in many cultures and predates Christianity. In many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, the evil eye is believed to bring bad luck or harm to the person it’s directed towards. Protective amulets or talismans are often used to ward off the evil eye. Comparatively, Jesus uses the term in a different context, focusing on the internal condition of the person with the evil eye rather than on external effects.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse speaks in metaphorical terms about light and darkness, scientific understanding delves into literal aspects of light and vision. It is understood that the human eye perceives light and interprets it through the brain. However, from a psychological point of view, one could link the “darkness” mentioned in the verse to negative emotions or mental states that can affect one’s perspective and consequently, their actions and mental health.

Commentaries

Commentators have varied in their interpretations of this passage. Some focus on the ethical implications, suggesting that a person’s view of the world reflects their moral state. Others emphasize the spiritual aspect, viewing the “eye” as a symbol of spiritual discernment. A consensus among many biblical scholars is that Matthew is contrasting the pursuit of earthly versus heavenly treasures and warning against materialism affecting one’s spiritual view.