King James Version
Matthew 6:23 in the King James Version says “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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 · KJV
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
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!
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“if”
G1437a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
“eye”
G3788the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
“evil”
G4190hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
“be”
G5600(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
“whole”
G3650"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
“body”
G4983the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
“the light”
G5457luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
“how great”
G4214interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Matthew 6:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 6:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge