Matthew 6:22

Light. Gr. luchnos, “lamp,” not phos, “light.” Luchnos refers to the source of light or to the medium through which it shines, not to the light itself (see on ch. 5:15). Verses 22 and 23 provide an illustration of the principle stated in vs. 19-21. Excessive concern for the accumulation of worldly wealth is evidence of defective spiritual eyesight, of darkness in the soul (see v. 34). The “light” of the body is that insight that places a true relative value on the things of time and of eternity.

The eye. That is, the eye of the soul that gives a man heavenly vision, and that enables him to behold that which is invisible to the natural eyesight (see Rom. 1:20; cf. Heb. 11:27). Such eyesight is a guide to the soul in the same way that physical eyesight is a guide to the body.

Single. Gr. haplous, “simple” (as distinct from compound), “natural,” “sincere,” “absolutely true,” “without folds,” like an unfolded piece of cloth. In the present passage haplous stands in contrast with poneros, “evil” (see on v. 23). Its meaning here is closely parallel with the word “perfect” in ch. 5:48 (see comments there). The translation “sound” (RSV), meaning “well,” or “in a healthy condition,” is appropriate to the context. A Christian whose spiritual “eye” is “single,” or “sound,” is one whose insight and judgment make him a man of unaffected simplicity, artless, plain, and pure. He sees the things of time and eternity in true perspective.

Singleness of eyesight results in singleness of purpose, in wholehearted devotion to the kingdom of heaven and to the practice of its eternal principles (Phil. 3:8, 13, 14; MB 91). To be effective, vision must be focused and concentrated. In the same way, the man who desires true light in his soul must have his spiritual eyesight in sharp focus. Otherwise his vision will be blurred and his estimation of truth and duty will be faulty (see on Rev. 3:18).