ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos)

ophthalmos

eye

G3788 · Greek · New Testament · 86 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 86 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The Greek word ophthalmos simply means "eye," serving as the standard term for both physical sight and the organ itself. It appears frequently in the Gospels, where Jesus uses it to describe literal healing—such as restoring sight to the blind man in John 9—or to warn against self-destruction by plucking out an eye (Matthew 5:29). Beyond anatomy, it functions idiomatically to denote immediacy, as when Paul describes a transformation happening "in the blink of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Its most distinctive usage lies in its metaphorical extension. Jesus contrasts a "healthy" or single eye with an "evil" one (Matthew 6:22-23), where the latter represents envy or greed. This draws on a Semitic idiom where the eye reflects the moral state of the heart; a clear eye brings light, while a corrupt one leads to darkness. The term also describes spiritual perception, as in Ephesians 1:18, where believers are prayed to have their "eyes of the heart" enlightened.

The word’s range is anchored in its connection to vision and insight. It bridges the physical act of seeing with the mental act of understanding, a duality that allows Scripture to speak of both bodily healing and spiritual awakening using the same vocabulary. This semantic flexibility underscores the biblical view that true sight involves more than just optical function.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ophthalmos refers simply to the eye, yet Scripture uses it to describe more than physical sight. In the Gospels, Jesus often speaks of the eye as the lamp of the body, suggesting that our inner moral state affects how we perceive the world around us. When He warns against an "evil" eye, He is not speaking of a medical condition but of a heart consumed by envy or greed. This imagery invites us to examine what drives our desires and whether those desires lead us toward light or darkness.

We also see this word in moments of profound hope, such as when the blind men ask Jesus to open their eyes. Their request highlights a deep human need for clarity and healing. Similarly, Paul prays that the "eyes of your heart" may be enlightened, reminding us that true understanding comes from spiritual insight rather than mere observation. This duality shows that seeing with the body and seeing with the spirit are closely linked in God's design.

As you read these passages, consider how your own perspective is shaped by what you focus on. The Bible encourages a vision that is clear, compassionate, and rooted in truth. By seeking God’s light, we can find guidance for our daily lives and hope for the future.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 86 verses where it appears, by frequency.

eyes54×
eye24×
eyes?3×
eyes.3×
[the] eyes3×
the eyes2×
of eyes2×
an eye,2×
of an eye1×
gaze1×
eye.1×
an eye1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ὀφθαλμοὺς32×
ὀφθαλμοὶ12×
ὀφθαλμῶν11×
ὀφθαλμῷ8×
ὀφθαλμός8×
ὀφθαλμοῖς7×
ὀφθαλμοῦ6×
ὀφθαλμὸς4×
ὀφθαλμός,2×
ὀφθαλμούς.2×
ὀφθαλμοί2×
ὀφθαλμός.1×

Key Verses

Matthew 6:22
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.

Jesus uses the eye as a metaphor for spiritual focus, teaching that a healthy inner life brings light to the whole person.
Matthew 9:30
Then their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.”

This verse records the literal healing of blindness, demonstrating Jesus' power to restore physical sight and fulfill messianic promises.
Luke 2:30
for my eyes have seen your salvation,

Simeon declares that his eyes have seen salvation, using the word to express personal encounter with God's redemptive plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word ophthalmos mean?

It is the standard Greek term for the physical eye. Beyond anatomy, it is used metaphorically to describe spiritual perception, moral character, and the ability to understand divine truths.

Why does Jesus talk about an 'evil eye' in Matthew 6:23?

In this context, an 'evil eye' is a Semitic idiom for envy or stinginess. Jesus teaches that a heart filled with greed darkens one's entire spiritual vision, just as a healthy eye brings light.

How is ophthalmos different from other words for sight?

While other Greek words describe the act of seeing or perceiving, ophthalmos specifically refers to the organ itself. It bridges the gap between physical vision and spiritual insight, allowing Scripture to speak of both healing blindness and opening the heart.

Every Occurrence (86 verses across 14 books)

Matthew 18 verses

Matthew 5:29

If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…

Matthew 5:38

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

Matthew 6:22

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.

Matthew 6:23

But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness,…

Matthew 7:3

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?

Matthew 7:4

Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye?

Matthew 7:5

You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your…

Matthew 9:29

Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”

Matthew 9:30

Then their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.”

Matthew 13:15

for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else…

Matthew 13:16

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.

Matthew 17:8

Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.

Matthew 18:9

If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one…

Matthew 20:15

Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’

Matthew 20:33

They told him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”

Matthew 20:34

Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they…

Matthew 21:42

Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…

Matthew 26:43

He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

Mark 6 verses

Luke 12 verses

John 17 verses

Acts 6 verses

Romans 3 verses

I Corinthians 5 verses

Galatians 2 verses

Ephesians 1 verse

Hebrews 1 verse

I Peter 1 verse

II Peter 1 verse

I John 3 verses

Revelation of John 10 verses