Is the evil eye in the Bible? Yes, it is. The phrase appears in the Gospels, and if you were to read a Bible with black and red-lettered texts, you would find it in red, meaning it was spoken by Jesus himself.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of the evil eye in the Bible, specifically looking at Mark 7:22 and the cultural context behind this often-misunderstood phrase.
Note: In our previous discussion, we explored the general meaning of the evil eye, its origins, and how to protect yourself. If you haven't read that yet, it provides a helpful backdrop to this specific biblical discussion.
What is the Meaning of the Evil Eye in the Bible?
The Bible verse where you will most prominently find the evil eye is Mark 7:21-22 (KJV):
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness…”
To understand the biblical meaning of the evil eye, we must look at the original language. The Greek phrase used here is ophthalmos ponēros (evil eye). However, many modern translations render this as "envy" or "stinginess."
Why the difference? In the Semitic culture of the Bible, the "evil eye" was a figure of speech.
- A "Good Eye" (Ayin Tov): Represented generosity and kindness.
- An "Evil Eye" (Ayin Hara): Represented stinginess, greed, and deep resentment of another person’s success.
Therefore, the meaning of the evil eye in scripture isn't about magic; it is about a specific moral failing: looking at someone else’s blessings with bitterness.
Is the Evil Eye a Curse or a Sin?
It is important to distinguish the biblical definition from the superstitious one. While ancient cultures feared the evil eye as a curse that harms the victim, Jesus presents it differently.
In the Bible, the evil eye is viewed as a sin that defiles the person giving the look. The focus is on the heart of the beholder, not the safety of the receiver. It refers to a bitter mindset: a cold, calculating, or envious way of viewing the world.
The Origin of the Evil Eye: Heart vs. Mind
Where does this attitude come from? While the historical concept of the evil eye can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, Jesus argues that the actual source is internal.
In Mark 7, the Pharisees were concerned with external defilement (unwashed hands). Jesus argued that spiritual defilement comes from what proceeds out of the heart.
Mark 7:23 (KJV): "All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."
When Jesus lists "an evil eye," He identifies it as a product of the "heart," which, in biblical terms, refers to the mind, will, and intellect.
Conclusion
So, what is the meaning of the evil eye in the Bible?
It is not a superstitious curse to be feared, but a moral warning to be heeded. Biblically, to have an evil eye means to possess a heart ruled by jealousy. It is the inability to celebrate the success of others and a refusal to be generous.
