Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the eye is often seen as a symbol of perception, understanding, and spiritual insight. However, when the eye is consumed by sickness, it can represent a physical ailment, a spiritual deficiency, or a moral failing. The Bible addresses the condition of the eye both literally and metaphorically, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spiritual and physical health.Physical Ailments of the Eye The Bible acknowledges the reality of physical ailments affecting the eye. In Deuteronomy 28:28, as part of the curses for disobedience, the Lord warns, "The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind." Here, blindness is mentioned as a physical affliction that can befall those who turn away from God's commandments. The physical condition of the eye is often used to illustrate the consequences of sin and disobedience. Spiritual Blindness Beyond physical ailments, the Bible frequently uses the condition of the eye to describe spiritual blindness. In Matthew 6:22-23 , Jesus teaches, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 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!" Here, the "bad" eye symbolizes a lack of spiritual insight and understanding, leading to a life filled with darkness and sin. The Apostle Paul also speaks of spiritual blindness in 2 Corinthians 4:4 , stating, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This blindness is a metaphor for the inability to perceive and accept the truth of the Gospel, a condition that can only be remedied by divine intervention. Moral and Ethical Implications The condition of the eye is also linked to moral and ethical behavior. In Proverbs 23:6 , it is written, "Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies; for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost." The "evil eye" in this context refers to a greedy or envious disposition, highlighting how moral corruption can manifest in one's outlook and actions. Furthermore, in Matthew 5:29 , Jesus advises, "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." This hyperbolic statement underscores the severity of sin and the lengths to which one should go to avoid moral corruption. Restoration and Healing Despite the dire warnings associated with the eye consumed by sickness, the Bible also offers hope for restoration and healing. In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating His power over physical and spiritual ailments. This miracle serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the possibility of spiritual enlightenment. Psalm 146:8 declares, "The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts up those who are weighed down; the LORD loves the righteous." This verse reassures believers of God's ability to heal and restore both physical sight and spiritual vision, emphasizing His compassion and righteousness. In summary, the eye consumed by sickness in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing physical ailments, spiritual blindness, and moral failings. Through divine intervention and adherence to God's commandments, believers are offered the promise of healing and spiritual clarity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 26:16I also will do this to you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm 6 Complaint in Sickness. The Spirit of Power The Witness of Our Own Spirit Meditations for one that is Like to Die. When travelling lately through the Simplon The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the ... The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil Letter cxxii. To Rusticus. First, for Thy Thoughts. Matt. vi. 16 Resources What does the Bible say about a sixth sense / third eye? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus mean we should literally pluck out our eyes and cut off our hands in Matthew 5:29-30 and 18:8-9? | GotQuestions.org Is EMDR therapy something a Christian can consider? | GotQuestions.org Eye: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Eye of Evil Desire, Never Satisfied The Eye: (Anointing With Eyesalve) of Healing by the Spirit The Eye: (Open) Spiritual Illumination The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Directing The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Seeing The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Weeping The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Winking The Eye: Not Evil Thing to be Set Before The Eye: Not Satisfied With Riches The Eye: Not Satisfied With Seeing The Eye: Often Put out As a Punishment The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Apple or Ball The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Brow The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Lid The Eye: Punishment for Injuring The Eye: The Jewish Women often Painted The Eye: The Jews: Cast, on the Ground in Humiliation The Eye: The Jews: Not to Make Baldness Between The Eye: The Jews: Raised Up, in Prayer The Eye: The Jews: Wore Their Phylacteries Between The Eye: The Light of the Body The Eye: The Light of, Rejoices the Heart Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |