I came across this thing called an Evil Eye in the Bible, and I asked myself, What does the Evil Eye mean?
You may have come across something like that, or maybe not, but I believe it is essential we talk about it cause I noticed the concerns of some people regarding it.
In this study, we will look at the Evil Eye from a general point of view as well as a biblical perspective. Then, I will address the concerns as to whether or not you should be worried about it in the first place.
Meanwhile, have you seen the message, The Meaning Of Hallelujah In The Bible? You should give it a read!
What Is The Evil Eye?
You may be asking, What is the Evil Eye? What does it represent? Is it good or bad? Of course, we all know that something described as Evil cannot be good, but for better understanding, we will look at what the Evil Eye means and what it represents.
There are two aspects to the Evil Eye. The first is that of the human eyes, while the other refers to the Talisman worn on the neck, wrists, and fingers.
From the aspect of the human eyes, the Evil Eye refers to a kind of look that carries a negative signal. For instance, let us assume you were walking by the way and noticed someone staring at you suspiciously or superstitiously. You were bothered by it. So, while trying to narrate the event, you can say that person looked at you with an Evil Eye.
On the other hand, the Evil Eye refers to a talisman or an amulet used to deter and protect from danger or harm from the Evil of the Eye. It has a cultural and superstitious background dating back to thousands of years ago in Ancient Greece, believed by many to give spiritual and psychological protection.
The Evil Eye talisman or amulets come in different colors, including red, blue, black, green, and yellow, to mention a few, designed in the shape and lining of the Human Eye and identified as Nazar.
So, from a general point of view, the Evil Eye refers to a look or stare that can cause harm and an item/jewelry that is apotropaic; it comes in the form of a bracelet, necklace, and ring. But what does the Evil Eye mean in the Bible?
The Meaning Of The Evil Eye In The Bible
Of course, the Bible speaks about the Evil Eye, but more figuratively than superstitious. While several verses deal with Evil and the Eye, we will settle with the teaching of Christ on the Mount (according to Matthew 6:22–23) and His response (in Mark 7:22–23) to the Pharisees who approached Him over His disciples eating with unwashed hands.
In Matthew 6:22–23 WEB, Jesus said:
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”
The narrative is this: the lamp that enlightens the body is the eye, and if it is single, simple, or in good condition, you will be full of light or brightness. But if it is evil, then, the enlightenment it gives is darkness.
The point is about having a good or an evil eye and what they do to you as a person. Meanwhile, note the words I put in bold tags; we will examine them as we continue.
In Mark 7:20 WEB, “He said, ‘That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man.
For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts,
covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.’”
Jesus made those statements to explain what He said in verse 15 of Mark 7 to His disciples who did not understand. The background was the food going into the stomach, not the Heart, and what man does (the things that defile him) proceeding from the Heart, not the stomach.
Among the evil things Christ listed was an Evil Eye. And the Greek words for the phrases highlighted in both passages are the same. Also, note these keywords: the Heart, Evil, and Eye. Where the Heart refers to the mind or soul, let us consider the Evil and the Eye.
The word Evil is an adjective translated from Ponēros (πονηρός) in Greek. It refers to being cunning or tricky, and both have a negative connotation: deceitfulness. And as you know, deceit is dangerous!
The word Eye is a noun translated from Ophthalmos (ὀφθαλμὸς) in Greek. It refers to a goal, vision, or the organ of sight.
The Evil Eye in the Bible refers to the tricky look given to someone with wickedness in the mind. It figuratively implies envy and jealousy, which can cause harm to the Looker and the one looked at. That is true with its affiliation with covetousness, which can be costly if followed after.
Should You Be Worried About The Evil Eye?
Whether or not you should be worried about the Evil Eye depends on what you are referring to. Is it the amulets or the reason for it?
The amulets are superstitions that some people believe in and hold to, but the idea referring to the tricky sight with wickedness in the Heart is one to be concerned about. The Bible speaks of it as an evil thing, so yes, you should show concern about it.
Rather than being worried, you should be conscious and careful with people who envy you as it is a sign that their intentions towards you are not good.
