King James Version

What Does Luke 11:34 Mean?

Luke 11:34 in the King James Version says “The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thi... — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 11:34 · KJV


Context

32

The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

33

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

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.

35

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

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. the bright: Gr. a candle by its bright shining


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (Ὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου. ὅταν οὖν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ἁπλοῦς ᾖ, καὶ ὅλον τὸ σῶμα σου φωτεινόν ἐστιν· ἐπὰν δὲ πονηρὸς ᾖ, καὶ τὸ σῶμα σου σκοτεινόν)—Jesus shifts from external illumination (lamp) to internal perception (eye). The eye functions as the body's 'lamp,' mediating external light to internal consciousness. Haplous (single, simple, sound) describes an eye functioning properly, with clarity and focus. A 'single' eye represents undivided spiritual devotion, seeing truth clearly.

An 'evil' eye (ponēros) is diseased, envious, morally corrupted. In Jewish idiom, an 'evil eye' often denoted stinginess or envy (Matthew 20:15). Spiritually: perverted desires corrupt perception, rendering one unable to recognize truth. The Pharisees' covetousness, pride, self-righteousness functioned as spiritual cataracts, blinding them to Messiah despite overwhelming evidence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient medical understanding viewed the eye as actively emitting light to perceive objects (emanation theory), though Luke, as a physician, may have known more sophisticated physiology. Regardless, the metaphor works: the eye's condition determines what one sees. Jesus diagnoses the Pharisees' problem not as insufficient evidence but as moral corruption distorting perception.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'evil' desires or attitudes might be corrupting your spiritual perception—envy, lust, greed, pride?
  2. How can you cultivate a 'single' eye that sees God and his truth clearly without competing loyalties?
  3. In what areas might you be spiritually blind while convinced you see clearly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
1 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λύχνος2 of 30

The light

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ3 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῶμά4 of 30

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ἐστιν·5 of 30

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

6 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμός7 of 30

eye

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ὅταν8 of 30

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

οὖν9 of 30

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

10 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμός11 of 30

eye

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

σου12 of 30

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

ἁπλοῦς13 of 30

single

G573

properly, folded together, i.e., single (figuratively, clear)

14 of 30

is

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

καὶ15 of 30

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅλον16 of 30

whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὸ17 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῶμά18 of 30

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

σου19 of 30

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

φωτεινόν20 of 30

full of light

G5460

lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)

ἐστιν·21 of 30

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐπὰν22 of 30

when

G1875

a particle of indefinite contemporaneousness; whenever, as soon as

δὲ23 of 30

but

G1161

but, and, etc

πονηρὸς24 of 30

evil

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

25 of 30

is

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

καὶ26 of 30

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ27 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῶμά28 of 30

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

σου29 of 30

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

σκοτεινόν30 of 30

is full of darkness

G4652

opaque, i.e., (figuratively) benighted


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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