King James Version

What Does Luke 11:36 Mean?

Luke 11:36 in the King James Version says “If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Luke 11:36 · KJV

Context

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

37

And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

38

And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

Read Luke 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (εἰ οὖν τὸ σῶμα σου ὅλον φωτεινόν, μὴ ἔχον μέρος τι σκοτεινόν, ἔσται φωτεινὸν ὅλον ὡς ὅταν ὁ λύχνος τῇ ἀστραπῇ φωτίζῃ σε)—Jesus describes total illumination, internal consistency where no 'part' (meros) remains in darkness. This represents complete spiritual transformation, not partial enlightenment. The simile compares comprehensive illumination to a lamp's bright flash (astrapē, lightning, sudden brightness).

This concludes Jesus's teaching on spiritual perception (vv.33-36). The solution to darkness isn't more external signs but internal transformation—a 'single' eye (v.34) fixed on God, resulting in total illumination. The Pharisees' problem wasn't lack of evidence but corrupted hearts preventing them from seeing truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient oil lamps provided dim, flickering light compared to modern electric lighting. Jesus's reference to a lamp's 'bright shining' (astrapē, the same word for lightning) emphasizes the dramatic, comprehensive illumination God provides to those with pure hearts—stark contrast to fumbling in darkness despite external religious activity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of your life remain in 'partial darkness' despite claiming faith—hidden sins, unexamined beliefs, areas resisting transformation?
  2. How does the promise of total illumination challenge compartmentalized Christianity separating 'spiritual' from 'secular' life?
  3. What would it look like for Christ's light to illuminate every corner of your life—thoughts, motives, relationships, possessions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
εἰ1 of 23

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

οὖν2 of 23

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸ3 of 23
G3588

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

σῶμά4 of 23

“body”

G4983

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

σου5 of 23

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὅλον6 of 23

“the whole”

G3650

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

φωτεινὸν7 of 23

“be full of light”

G5460

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

μὴ8 of 23

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχον9 of 23

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τι10 of 23
G5100

some or any person or object

μέρος11 of 23

“part”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

σκοτεινόν12 of 23

“dark”

G4652

opaque, i.e., (figuratively) benighted

ἔσται13 of 23

“shall be”

G2071

will be

φωτεινὸν14 of 23

“be full of light”

G5460

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

ὅλον15 of 23

“the whole”

G3650

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

ὡς16 of 23

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὅταν17 of 23

“when”

G3752

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

ὁ18 of 23
G3588

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

λύχνος19 of 23

“of a candle”

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

τῇ20 of 23
G3588

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

ἀστραπῇ21 of 23

“the bright shining”

G796

lightning; by analogy, glare

φωτίζῃ22 of 23

“doth give”

G5461

to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)

σε23 of 23

“thee”

G4571

thee

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 11:36 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 11:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 20:27Proverbs 4:18-19Proverbs 6:232 Corinthians 4:62 Timothy 3:15-17Proverbs 1:5

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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