Matthew 6:23

Berean Standard Bible

But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers a profound teaching on the nature of spiritual perception and moral clarity in Matthew 6:23, stating, “But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” This verse, nestled within a discourse on treasures, priorities, and trust in God, offers a striking metaphor that invites deep reflection on the human condition, the orientation of the heart, and the consequences of distorted vision. To unpack this verse, we must consider its immediate context, its metaphorical richness, and its implications for spiritual life, all while exploring the broader theological and ethical dimensions it evokes.

The verse follows Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:22, where he describes the eye as the lamp of the body, suggesting that a healthy eye fills the body with light, while an unhealthy eye plunges it into darkness. The imagery of light and darkness is a recurring motif in Scripture, often symbolizing truth and falsehood, righteousness and sin, or divine presence and spiritual blindness. In this context, Jesus is addressing the way humans perceive and prioritize, particularly in relation to material wealth and spiritual devotion. The “eye” here is not merely a physical organ but a metaphor for the heart’s focus, the lens through which one views reality. A healthy eye, then, represents a heart fixed on God, aligned with divine truth and purpose, while an unhealthy eye signifies a heart distracted or corrupted by lesser things, such as greed, envy, or self-interest.

The phrase “if your eyes are unhealthy” carries significant weight. In the Greek, the term for “unhealthy” (ponēros) can also mean “evil” or “wicked,” suggesting not just a passive defect but an active moral failing. This implies that the unhealthy eye is not simply nearsighted or clouded but deliberately turned toward what is false or harmful. Jesus is pointing to a deeper issue: the intentional misdirection of one’s attention and affection. When the eye is unhealthy, it distorts reality, mistaking shadows for substance, and the result is catastrophic—a body, or life, filled with darkness. This darkness is not merely an absence of light but a pervasive, consuming force that engulfs the whole person. The metaphor suggests that our spiritual vision shapes our entire being; what we choose to focus on determines the state of our soul.

The second part of the verse intensifies this warning: “If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” This statement is both paradoxical and alarming. Light, by its nature, illuminates, yet Jesus speaks of a light that is, in fact, darkness. This suggests a profound deception, where what one believes to be true or good is actually false or destructive. The “light within you” could refer to one’s understanding, conscience, or spiritual insight—those faculties that guide decisions and actions. If these are corrupted, if what one trusts as light is actually darkness, the consequences are dire. The phrase “how great is that darkness” underscores the magnitude of this spiritual peril. It is not a minor misstep but a total disorientation, a state in which one is utterly lost, unable to discern truth from error or right from wrong.

To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, we must consider its place within the broader context of Matthew 6. The chapter is concerned with the orientation of the heart—whether toward God or toward earthly treasures. Jesus has just warned against storing up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and urged his listeners to seek treasures in heaven. The unhealthy eye, then, could be one fixated on material wealth, status, or self-glorification, pursuits that seem to offer light but ultimately lead to darkness. This interpretation aligns with the verses that follow, where Jesus declares that no one can serve two masters, God and money. The unhealthy eye is divided, attempting to gaze at both God and worldly gain, and in doing so, it loses its ability to see clearly. The result is a life consumed by darkness—confusion, anxiety, and spiritual emptiness.

This teaching also resonates with the broader biblical narrative. The imagery of light and darkness echoes the creation account in Genesis, where God separates light from darkness, establishing order and goodness. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as the true light that shines in the darkness, illuminating every person. Yet, as John notes, the darkness often fails to comprehend or receive this light. Matthew 6:23 warns of the human capacity to reject or distort divine light, choosing instead a false light that leads to ruin. This is not merely a personal failing but a universal temptation, as humanity is prone to elevate fleeting pleasures or possessions above eternal truths.

The verse also carries ethical implications. An unhealthy eye distorts not only one’s relationship with God but also one’s interactions with others. If our vision is clouded by selfishness or greed, we may exploit others, prioritize our own comfort over their needs, or judge them harshly while excusing our own faults. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to examine the lenses through which we view the world. Are we seeing others as God sees them, with compassion and grace, or are we blinded by pride, envy, or resentment? The darkness that fills the body affects not just the individual but the community, as distorted vision leads to distorted relationships.

Furthermore, the verse invites reflection on the nature of self-deception. The idea that one’s light could be darkness suggests a terrifying possibility: we may be unaware of our own spiritual blindness. This is a theme explored elsewhere in Scripture, such as in the letters to the churches in Revelation, where the Laodiceans are rebuked for thinking they are rich and in need of nothing, when in reality they are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” The warning in Matthew 6:23 is a call to humility and self-examination, urging us to seek God’s light to reveal our blind spots and correct our vision.

In practical terms, this verse challenges believers to cultivate a single-minded devotion to God. The healthy eye is one that is fixed on Christ, who is the source of true light. This requires intentional practices—prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, and acts of service—that align the heart with God’s purposes. It also demands a rejection of competing loyalties, whether they be wealth, power, or self-interest. The promise implicit in Jesus’ teaching is that a healthy eye, focused on God, fills the whole body with light, leading to a life of clarity, purpose, and joy.

Yet the warning remains sobering. The “great darkness” Jesus describes is not a hypothetical threat but a real danger, one that manifests in lives consumed by materialism, pride, or despair. The verse reminds us that spiritual vision is not passive; it is shaped by the choices we make, the desires we nurture, and the treasures we pursue. To have an unhealthy eye is to risk a darkness so profound that it engulfs not only the present but also eternity.

In conclusion, Matthew 6:23 is a powerful call to examine the state of our spiritual vision. It challenges us to consider what we are looking at, what we are allowing to shape our hearts and lives. It warns of the peril of mistaking darkness for light, of living in deception while believing we see clearly. At the same time, it holds out the hope of a life filled with light, where a heart fixed on God illuminates every aspect of our being. This verse, though brief, carries a weight that resonates across the ages, urging us to seek the true light that comes from above and to guard against the darkness that threatens to consume us from within.

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Beloved in Christ, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world and the hope of our salvation. I write to you, not as one who has attained perfection, but as a fellow pilgrim, compelled by the Spirit to stir your hearts toward the truth revealed in the words of our Savior, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, where He declares, “But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” These words, though brief, pierce the soul with divine urgency, calling us to examine the vision of our hearts and the orientation of our lives. Let us, therefore, reflect deeply on this truth, that we may walk in the light of Christ and escape the shadow of deception that threatens to engulf us.

O saints, consider the weight of this teaching, for it is not merely a word about the eyes of the body but a revelation of the eyes of the soul. The eye, as our Lord teaches, is the lamp of the body, the window through which light enters or darkness invades. What is this light but the truth of God, the radiance of His glory shining through His Son, Jesus Christ? And what is this darkness but the lie that blinds, the distortion that turns us from the Creator to the fleeting treasures of this world? The eye of the soul is the heart’s focus, the direction of our deepest desires, the lens through which we behold reality. If this eye is fixed on Christ, the true light, our whole being is filled with the brightness of His presence, guiding our steps in righteousness and peace. But if the eye is unhealthy, turned toward idols of wealth, status, or self, then darkness floods the soul, and we stumble, lost in a night of our own making.

Let us not be deceived, my brothers and sisters, for the unhealthy eye is not a mere accident but a choice, a turning away from the One who is light to chase shadows that promise much but deliver nothing. The Greek word for “unhealthy” carries the sting of moral failure, a deliberate gaze upon what is false or fleeting. How often do we, like those who came before us, fix our eyes on the treasures of earth—money, power, approval—believing they will satisfy, only to find they are but dust in our hands? The apostle warns us that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and so it is with any idol that captures our gaze. When we set our hearts on these things, we invite darkness to dwell within us, a darkness that clouds our judgment, hardens our hearts, and separates us from the life of God.

And what of this terrifying truth: “If the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Here, our Lord unveils the peril of self-deception, where we mistake shadow for substance, believing we walk in light when we are shrouded in night. This is no small matter, beloved, for it speaks to the condition of a soul that trusts in its own wisdom, its own righteousness, yet is blind to its true state. Have you not seen it in our world today? Men and women chase after success, pleasure, or security, convinced these are the light of life, yet their souls grow dim, their joy fades, and their hearts are filled with unrest. The darkness is great because it is not merely an absence of light but a counterfeit light, a lie that masquerades as truth. It is the tragedy of a generation that calls evil good and good evil, that exchanges the glory of God for the fleeting glitter of this age.

Yet, let us not despair, for the One who spoke these words is Himself the remedy for our blindness. Christ Jesus, the image of the invisible God, is the true light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. He came to open the eyes of the blind, to set the captives free, to lead us out of the shadows into the radiance of His kingdom. When we fix our eyes on Him, when we behold His glory in the Word, in prayer, in worship, and in the fellowship of His people, our whole being is filled with light. This is the promise of the gospel: that in Christ, we are made new, our vision restored, our hearts aligned with the purposes of God. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, illuminating the truth and guiding us into all righteousness.

But let us be vigilant, for the unhealthy eye is ever tempted to wander. In this world, surrounded by distractions and enticements, we must guard our gaze. The culture around us bombards us with images of wealth, beauty, and power, whispering that these will fulfill us. Social media, with its endless scroll of comparison and pride, seeks to draw our eyes from the simplicity of Christ. Even our own hearts, prone to wander, can turn inward, fixating on our fears or desires rather than on the One who holds all things together. Therefore, I urge you, as Paul urged the Philippians, to set your minds on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Let your eye be single, focused on Christ alone, for in Him is life, and that life is the light of all people.

Practically, beloved, this means we must cultivate habits that keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Immerse yourselves in the Scriptures, for they are a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. Let the Word dwell in you richly, shaping your thoughts and desires. Pray without ceasing, not as a ritual but as a lifeline to the One who sees you fully and loves you completely. Gather with the body of Christ, for in community we are sharpened, corrected, and encouraged to keep our eyes on the prize. Serve others, not for recognition but because in giving ourselves away, we reflect the One who gave Himself for us. And when you find your eye wandering—when the allure of wealth, the sting of envy, or the weight of worry pulls your gaze—repent quickly, turn back to Christ, and let His light restore you.

Moreover, let this truth shape how you live among others. An unhealthy eye not only darkens your own soul but casts a shadow on those around you. If your vision is clouded by greed, you may exploit others for gain. If by pride, you may judge them harshly. If by fear, you may withdraw from the love God calls you to share. But when your eye is healthy, filled with the light of Christ, you see others as He does—with compassion, grace, and hope. You become a beacon of His love, a witness to His kingdom, drawing others out of darkness into His marvelous light. Therefore, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I write these things, not to burden you, but to awaken you to the urgency of this moment. The darkness of this world is great, but greater still is the light of Christ within you. Do not let that light become darkness through neglect or distraction. Examine your heart daily, asking the Spirit to reveal any unhealthy gaze, any idol that has crept into your vision. Trust in the grace of God, who is faithful to forgive and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. And press on toward the goal, the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, knowing that the One who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of His return.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

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God of all light, Father of glory, and fountain of all truth, we come before You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the true light who shines in the darkness and overcomes it. You are the One who spoke light into being, who separated the day from the night, and who set Your radiance in the hearts of those who believe. We stand in awe of Your holiness, humbled by Your mercy, and we lift our voices in prayer, seeking the illumination of Your Spirit, for You have taught us through Your Son that if our eyes are unhealthy, our whole body will be full of darkness, and if the light within us is darkness, how great is that darkness! Stir our hearts, O Lord, to grasp the weight of this truth, and grant us grace to walk in Your light, that we may never be consumed by the shadows of this world.

We confess, O God, that our eyes are prone to wander, drawn to the fleeting treasures of earth—wealth, status, and self-glory—that promise light but deliver only darkness. Our hearts, too often, fix their gaze on what is seen rather than on what is unseen, on what is temporary rather than eternal. We have mistaken the dim flicker of worldly gain for the brilliance of Your kingdom, and in doing so, we have allowed darkness to creep into our souls. Forgive us, merciful Father, for the times we have turned our eyes from You, choosing the counterfeit over the true, the shadow over the substance. Cleanse us, we pray, by the blood of Your Son, and restore our vision that we may see You clearly, the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world, the radiance of the Father’s glory, and the hope of our salvation. In You, there is no darkness, no deceit, no shadow of turning. You came to open the eyes of the blind, to lead us out of the prison of sin, and to guide us into the freedom of Your truth. We plead, O Christ, that You would heal our unhealthy eyes, those inner lenses clouded by pride, greed, or fear. Remove the scales of self-deception that cause us to call darkness light and light darkness. By Your Spirit, sharpen our gaze, that we may fix our eyes on You, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let Your Word be a lamp to our feet, Your presence a light to our path, illuminating every step we take in this world.

Holy Spirit, You who search the depths of our hearts, we implore You to work within us, revealing any hidden idols that draw our eyes from God. Expose the lies we have believed, the desires we have cherished, that lead us into great darkness. Grant us discernment to recognize the true light of Christ amidst the false lights of this age—advertisements that promise happiness, ambitions that promise fulfillment, and anxieties that promise control. Teach us to set our minds on things above, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all we need will be provided by Your faithful hand. Fill us with Your light, that our whole being—mind, heart, and soul—may radiate Your glory and reflect Your love to a world shrouded in night.

We pray, O God, not only for ourselves but for Your church, the body of Christ, scattered across the earth. May Your people be a beacon of Your light, their eyes fixed on You, their lives marked by holiness and love. Guard Your church from the temptation to chase after worldly power or approval, which dims the witness of Your gospel. Renew our vision as a community, that we may see one another as You see us—beloved, redeemed, and called to bear Your image. Let us not stumble in darkness, divided by envy or pride, but walk together in the unity of Your Spirit, shining as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.

For those who dwell in great darkness, O Lord, we intercede with fervent hearts. For those blinded by the allure of materialism, awaken them to the poverty of their souls apart from You. For those lost in the shadows of despair, shine the light of Your hope, that they may know You are near. For those deceived by the false lights of this world, grant them eyes to see the truth of Your Son, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Use us, Your people, as vessels of Your light, to proclaim Your gospel, to serve the least, and to love without reserve, that others may be drawn from darkness into Your marvelous light.

Eternal God, we long for the day when Your light will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea, when every eye will see Your glory, and every knee will bow before Your Son. Until that day, keep us steadfast, our eyes fixed on Jesus, our hearts anchored in Your truth. Let us not grow weary in doing good, nor let our vision be clouded by the cares of this world. Fill us with Your joy, strengthen us with Your power, and guide us by Your Spirit, that our whole body may be full of light, reflecting Your glory now and forever.

To You, O Father, who dwells in unapproachable light; to You, O Son, who is the light of the world; to You, O Spirit, who illuminates our hearts, be all glory, honor, and praise, now and to the ages of ages. Amen.