Matthew 6:22
What does Matthew 6:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 6:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 6:22 means
Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye as the "lamp of the body" to illustrate the importance of spiritual focus. A "single" or healthy eye refers to a clear, undivided vision—a heart devoted entirely to God. When one's spiritual vision is clear and singular in its purpose, seeking God above all else, then the "whole body shall be full of light." This signifies a life characterized by spiritual understanding, purity, and guidance, walking in God's truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The light of the body is the eye; if then your eye is true, all your body will be full of light.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`The lamp of the body is the eye, if, therefore, thine eye may be perfect, all thy body shall be enlightened,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The lamp of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body will be light:
Context
This verse begins an illustration using the eye, immediately following the declaration in verse 21 that the heart follows one's treasure. It expands on the idea of a singular focus or devotion which was implied by the choice between earthly and heavenly treasures. This positive example of a 'single eye' sets up the negative counterpart in the next verse, providing a full picture of spiritual vision.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.
- Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:
- Luke 11:34
The lamp of thy body is thine eye: when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when it is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
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