What does "if thine eye be single" mean?
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Chuck Smith, Sermon on the Mount Study Guide, Matthew 6: Our Relationship with God: Our eyes are the windowpanes of our bodies. If the glass through which we look is clean, then we see the world as it is. If the glass is distorted or dirty, then our view of the world will be distorted. “Single” here means “generous, liberal” (Psalm 86:11; Colossians 3:22). “Evil” here means “stingy, grudging, greedy.” We should examine ourselves to determine whether we’re generous or stingy, not only with material things but also in our attitudes. If we’re generous, then we’re filled with light, but if we’re stingy, then we’re filled with darkness. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 6:22-23, "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 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!"; Psalms 86:11, "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name."; Colossians 3:22, "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.
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Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.
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