New Testament
Matthew 6:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But if your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light inside you is actually darkness, how deep that darkness must be!
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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!
What Matthew 6:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye to illustrate how our perspective influences our entire being. A 'bad' or 'evil' eye represents a negative outlook or moral corruption, leading to a life filled with darkness. If we perceive the world through a lens of negativity or sin, it affects our thoughts, actions, and ultimately our spiritual state. The phrase 'how deep that darkness must be' emphasizes the severity of being misled by false light, suggesting that what we think is good may actually lead us further away from truth and righteousness. This teaching encourages self-examination of our values and beliefs, urging us to seek true light, which is found in Christ, rather than being deceived by false appearances or worldly standards.
How to apply Matthew 6:23 to your life
To apply this teaching, regularly assess your thoughts and attitudes. Are they aligned with truth and goodness? Seek to cultivate a positive and truthful perspective, focusing on the teachings of Jesus. This will help ensure that your inner light remains bright and guides your actions positively.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 6:23 mean?
Matthew 6:23 means that our perspective shapes our entire being. A 'bad' or 'evil' eye symbolizes a negative outlook, leading to spiritual darkness and misguidance.
What is the meaning of 'bad eye' in Matthew 6:23?
In Matthew 6:23, a 'bad eye' refers to a negative or corrupt perspective. This negative viewpoint can fill a person's life with darkness, affecting their thoughts and actions.
How does Matthew 6:23 relate to self-examination?
Matthew 6:23 encourages self-examination by prompting individuals to assess their perspectives and values. It highlights the need to ensure that one's inner light is aligned with truth and goodness.
What does 'how deep that darkness must be' mean in Matthew 6:23?
The phrase 'how deep that darkness must be' emphasizes the severity of being misled by false light. It suggests that if one's understanding is flawed, the resulting darkness in their life can be profound.
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