The Eye: The Light of, Rejoices the Heart
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Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the eye as a source of light and joy is deeply rooted in biblical literature, symbolizing both physical sight and spiritual insight. The eye is often depicted as a conduit through which light enters the body, influencing one's inner being and moral compass. This symbolism is richly explored in various passages of Scripture, where the eye is associated with wisdom, understanding, and the purity of heart.

Biblical References

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks of the eye as the lamp of the body: "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light" (Matthew 6:22). Here, the eye is metaphorically described as a lamp, suggesting that the clarity and purity of one's vision can illuminate the entire being. This passage underscores the importance of maintaining a righteous perspective, as a clear and focused eye leads to a life filled with spiritual light.

Proverbs also highlights the joy that comes from a good eye: "The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones" (Proverbs 15:30). This verse connects the light of the eyes with the joy of the heart, suggesting that a clear and righteous vision brings inner happiness and vitality. The eye, therefore, is not only a physical organ but also a spiritual symbol that reflects the state of one's heart and soul.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, the eye often represents discernment and moral clarity. A "good eye" is indicative of a person who perceives the world through the lens of God's truth and righteousness. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical theme that true wisdom and understanding come from God, and those who seek His guidance will have their paths illuminated.

The eye's role as a source of light is also linked to the concept of spiritual enlightenment. Just as physical light allows one to see the world clearly, spiritual light enables believers to discern God's will and walk in His ways. The joy that accompanies this enlightenment is a testament to the transformative power of divine truth.

Practical Application

For believers, the biblical teaching on the eye as the light of the body serves as a reminder to guard their vision—both literally and metaphorically. By focusing on what is pure, true, and noble, Christians can ensure that their inner being is filled with light, leading to a life that rejoices the heart and glorifies God. This involves not only avoiding corrupting influences but also actively seeking God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

In summary, the eye as the light of the body is a profound biblical metaphor that emphasizes the importance of spiritual clarity and moral integrity. It calls believers to cultivate a vision that aligns with God's truth, resulting in a heart that rejoices and a life that reflects His glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What Men Find Beneath the Wings of God
... He 'rejoices over' His penitent child 'with singing,'. ... God's light comes to the eye
that the eye beholds ... 'Light' may mean not only the faculty, but the medium of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/what men find beneath the.htm

The Pure in Heart
... For God is light, and in him is no darkness at ... Therefore he rejoices in seeing his
creatures healthy and happy ... heart, is the same as the man whose eye is single ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xvi the pure in.htm

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom
... thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than ... so precious to Him that their recovery
rejoices His heart. ... leaving that in shadow, casts all the light on the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the law of precedence in.htm

Joy
... The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with ... Light (a metaphor for joy)
is sown for the righteous ... God rejoices in him, he can say, he rejoices in God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

The Sixth Miracle in John's Gospel --The Blind Made to See, and ...
... and that He is bound, with an obligation in which He rejoices, to do ... drape and veil
His power in order that the dim eye, unaccustomed to the light, may look ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the sixth miracle in johns.htm

To the Countenance of the Lord Jesus.
... How hath Thy colour faded, The light too of Thine eye! ... Nought ever so much blesses,
So much rejoices me, As when in Thy distresses I share a part with Thee. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/to the countenance of the.htm

The People's Christ
... Lord of hosts is his name." It rejoices the wife ... how he stared through his bony
eye-lids, as ... Startling with glory, radiant with light, effulgent with divinity ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it ...
... of a renewed mind, arrayed in his robes of light and majesty ... years in life, without
ever turning the eye of the ... 1:30:) and each of these views rejoices him to ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ii of the nature.htm

Subject Index
... All my heart this night rejoices, [421]h005-p0.6. ... Lord Jesus Christ, my Life, my
Light, [518]h114-p0.6. ... O Father-eye, that hath so truly watch'd, [549]h033-p0.6. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica second series the christian life/subject index.htm

God Rejoicing in the New Creation
... if he sees in others new and holier lives, and rejoices in them ... that can see the
new nature is an eye that grace has given, and newly opened to new light. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/god rejoicing in the new.htm

Resources
What does the Bible mean by "an eye for an eye"? | GotQuestions.org

What is the all-seeing eye? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be the apple of God's eye? | GotQuestions.org

Eye: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Eye

Eye for an Eye

Eye of Evil Desire, Never Satisfied

Eye: Anthropomorphic Uses of

Eye: The offending

The Eye of the Mind

The Eye: (Anointing With Eyesalve) of Healing by the Spirit

The Eye: (Open) Spiritual Illumination

The Eye: A Guard to be Set On

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: Consumed by Grief

The Eye: Consumed by Sickness

The Eye: Frequently Fair

The Eye: God: Enlightens

The Eye: God: Formed

The Eye: God: Made

The Eye: God: Opens

The Eye: Grows Dim by Age

The Eye: Grows Dim by Sorrow

The Eye: Made Red by Wine

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: Sometimes Blemished

The Eye: Sometimes Tender

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

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Is'the (1 Occurrence)

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Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

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Home-born (14 Occurrences)

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Visible (12 Occurrences)

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24000 (10 Occurrences)

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Visiting (10 Occurrences)

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The Eye: The Light of the Body
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