The eye is a sacred gateway to the soul. If your vision is pure and filled with love, your entire being will radiate with divine light. But if your eye is clouded with negativity and darkness, your whole being will be consumed by shadows. If the light within you is obscured by night, the depths of that darkness are immeasurable.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22-23
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is diseased, it is full of darkness. Therefore see to it that the light in you is not darkness. If your whole body is full of light, with no part in the dark, it will be as full of light as when the light of a lamp shines on you.”
Luke 11:34-36
In this passage, Jesus uses a metaphor to teach about the significance of spiritual discernment.
He compares the eye to a lamp, suggesting that what we focus on and allow into our lives will bring light or darkness to our entire being. If we have a healthy eye and a clear and focused perspective, our whole body will be full of light. However, if our eye is diseased, meaning we have a distorted or unhealthy view, our whole body will be full of darkness.
Jesus then warns his listeners to be careful that the light within them is not darkness. This could be interpreted as a warning against false teachings or beliefs that may seem light but lead them astray. He motivates them to confirm that their whole being is full of light, with no part in the dark so that they may experience the fullness of spiritual illumination.
This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to guard our minds and hearts against anything that may lead us away from the truth.
The eye is essential for gathering information. Unfortunately, some heathen societies had a cruel practice of blinding enemies or rivals to weaken their power (Judges 16:21; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7). This act of blinding, especially of the right eye, was seen as a great humiliation as it robbed the victim of their beauty and ability to fight in a war (1 Samuel 11:2; Zechariah 11:17).
The “Eye” Must be single.
In Matthew 6:22 and Luke 11:34. The text discusses the concept of the eye being “single,” which means that it is not giving a double or uncertain vision. This is important because if the eye is not single, it can lead to confusion and uncertainty.
Figurative: The eye of the heart or mind, the organ of spiritual perception, which may be enlightened or opened ( Psalms 119:18 ). This is done by the law of God (Psalms 19:8 ) or by the spirit of God (Ephesians 1:18 ), or it may be “darkened” and “holden” (Luke 24:16; compare Matthew 13:13; 2 Corinthians 4:4 ).
The eye is an index of the mind and disposition of man. The Bible speaks of the “good” margin, or “bountiful” eye, i.e., the kindly disposition (Proverbs 22:9 ); of “proud,” arrogant,” “lofty eyes” (Psalms 18:27; Psalms 131:1; Proverbs 6:17 ); of the ‘lowly eyes’ of the humble (Job 22:29 margin; also compare Luke 18:13 ); of ‘adulterous eyes,’ “eyes which play the harlot” (Ezekiel 6:9, in the sense of idolatrous inclinations; 2 Peter 2:14 ). Rage or anger is shown by the “sharpening” of the eyes (Job 16:9 ).
(4) The eyes of God, as well as the “seven eyes” of the Lamb (Revelation 5:6 ) and the ‘many eyes’ of the four living creatures of the Apocalypse (Revelation 4:6; also Ezekiel 1:18; Ezekiel 10:12 ), are figurative expressions for the omniscience of God (compare Hebrews 4:13; Psalms 139:16 ) and of His watchfulness and loving care (Jeremiah 32:19 ). As the human eye may, with the slightest glance or motion, give an indication, a command. Hence, God can “guide” or “counsel” His obedient child “with his eye” (Psalms 32:8 ).
3 Hebrew expressions are translated by “apple of the eye”:
( a ) אישׁון, ‘ı̄shōn, literally, “the little man,” which probably means the “pupil of the eye,” it being part of the eye in which the close onlooker may see his image reflected in miniature. Several oriental languages have very similar expressions (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Proverbs 7:2 ).
(b ) בּבה, bābhāh, literally, “the gate of the eye” (Zechariah 2:8 ).
(c ) בּת־עין, bath -‘ ayin, literally, “the daughter of the eye” (Psalms 17:8; Lamentations 2:18 ). All these three phrases seem to indicate the pupil rather than the “apple of the eye” and designate the sensitive part of the eye, which we protect with the most excellent care. Thus the Scriptures declare, for our great comfort, that God will protect and care for those that are His own.
The symbolism of the eye in the Bible is rich and complex. It is a physical organ and a metaphor for human emotions and behavior. As we saw in 1 Samuel 18:9, Saul’s envious gaze upon David illustrates how the eye can express negative feelings such as envy and malice. Additionally, the “evil eye” concept warns us about the destructive power of jealousy and covetousness. Thus, the eye is a powerful reminder of the importance of wisely using our sight and emotions. As we navigate life, we should be mindful of how our gaze and intentions can impact those around us and strive to cultivate positive and compassionate attitudes toward others.
