Devine Scripture

Luke 11:36

What does Luke 11:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 11:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 11:36 means

This verse extends the promise of complete spiritual illumination. If an individual's "whole body" is genuinely "full of light," with no part remaining dark, then it will be entirely luminous. The analogy of a lamp with its "bright shining" emphasizes that this inner light, when unhindered by spiritual darkness, will completely permeate and illumine the person, reflecting true spiritual health and understanding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining doth give thee light.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining doth give thee light.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If, then, all your body is light, with no part of it dark, it will be completely full of light, as when a flame with its bright shining gives you light.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if then thy whole body is lightened, not having any part darkened, the whole shall be lightened, as when the lamp by the brightness may give thee light.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If then thy whole body be lightsome, having no part of darkness: the whole shall be lightsome and, as a bright lamp, shall enlighten thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If therefore thy whole body [is] light, not having any part dark, it shall be all light as when the lamp lights thee with its brightness.

Context

This verse concludes the teaching on light and the eye, reinforcing the positive outcome of spiritual singleness. It follows the warning to examine one's inner light, contrasting with the potential for darkness. This concept of internal and external spiritual illumination prepares the reader for the ensuing confrontation with the Pharisees, whose external cleanliness contrasts sharply with their internal spiritual darkness.

v.35Look therefore whether the light that is in thee be not darkness.

v.36This passage

v.37Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 5:14

    But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

  • Isaiah 8:20

    To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.

  • Hosea 6:3

    And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  • Isaiah 42:16

    And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.

  • Matthew 13:11

    And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

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