What is the Evil Eye According to the Bible?

The concept of the "evil eye" is one that appears in various cultures and religions around the world. In many traditions, the evil eye is believed to be a curse or a malevolent gaze that causes harm, misfortune, or bad luck to a person. Some cultures associate the evil eye with jealousy, envy, or ill will. In response, people wear charms, amulets, or symbols to protect themselves from this supposed power.

The concept of the evil eye in the Bible is not about superstition, curses, or mystical powers. Instead, it is about the condition of the heart. The Bible describes the evil eye as a symbol of envy, greed, selfishness, and spiritual blindness. Image Credit: Craftery Co. from Craftery Co. via Canva.com.

But what does the Bible say about the evil eye? Is it a curse or a superstitious belief, or does it have a deeper spiritual meaning? The Bible addresses the idea of the evil eye, but it does so in a way that is distinct from the cultural and superstitious beliefs found in folklore. In Scripture, the evil eye is associated with envy, greed, selfishness, and an unhealthy heart condition rather than a mystical curse. The Bible calls believers to guard their hearts and seek God’s wisdom instead of relying on superstitions.

By understanding what the evil eye means in the context of Scripture, Christians can gain clarity about how to respond to this concept. It also offers guidance on how to guard against the spiritual dangers of jealousy, greed, and selfishness, which are often linked to the idea of the evil eye.

The Meaning of the Evil Eye in the Bible

The term "evil eye" appears in several passages of the Bible, particularly in the Old and New Testaments. Rather than referring to a mystical curse or supernatural force, the Bible associates the evil eye with negative attitudes of the heart, such as envy, greed, and selfishness.

One of the key passages that mentions the evil eye is found in Proverbs 23:6-7, which says, "Do not eat the bread of a man with an evil eye; do not crave his delicacies, for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. 'Eat and drink,' he says to you, but his heart is not with you." In this passage, the "man with an evil eye" is described as someone who is stingy, greedy, and self-centered. The evil eye, in this context, is linked to selfishness, greed, and a heart that is not genuinely generous.

Another important reference to the evil eye is found in the New Testament. In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus says, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" While Jesus does not use the specific phrase "evil eye" in this passage, some translations render "unhealthy eye" as "evil eye." Here, Jesus speaks of the eye as a symbol of spiritual perception and moral clarity. A healthy eye represents generosity, purity, and a heart focused on God, while an "evil eye" signifies greed, selfishness, and spiritual blindness.

The Evil Eye as a Symbol of Envy and Greed

The concept of the evil eye in the Bible is closely connected to the idea of envy and greed. Envy is a feeling of discontent or resentment over another person’s success, possessions, or blessings. The evil eye represents this inner jealousy that causes a person to desire what belongs to someone else.

One of the clearest examples of envy linked to the evil eye is found in Matthew 20:15, where Jesus tells the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. In the story, the landowner hires workers at different times of the day but pays them all the same wage. The workers who were hired earlier become angry and complain. The landowner responds by saying, "Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?" In some translations, the phrase "begrudge my generosity" is rendered as "Is your eye evil because I am good?" Here, the evil eye symbolizes envy and resentment toward the generosity of the landowner.

This parable illustrates how the evil eye reflects a heart that is discontent, envious, and unable to rejoice in the blessings of others. The person with an evil eye sees someone else's success as a threat to their own well-being. This attitude can lead to bitterness, jealousy, and spiritual blindness.

The Apostle Paul warns against envy in Galatians 5:19-21, where he lists "envy" as one of the works of the flesh. Envy is opposed to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, and peace. Unlike love, which rejoices in the success and well-being of others, envy seeks to tear others down.

The Dangers of an Evil Eye

The Bible warns of the dangers of having an evil eye. This condition of the heart can lead to harmful attitudes, broken relationships, and spiritual blindness. The person with an evil eye is trapped in a cycle of greed, jealousy, and discontentment, which can ultimately lead to destruction.

One of the dangers of an evil eye is that it prevents people from being generous and kind. In Proverbs 28:22, it says, "A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him." This verse reveals that greed and the desire for wealth can lead a person to make unwise choices, ultimately resulting in poverty. The evil eye focuses on material gain and personal advantage rather than trusting in God for provision.

Another danger of the evil eye is spiritual blindness. In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus describes how an "unhealthy eye" (or evil eye) fills the whole body with darkness. This represents spiritual blindness, where a person cannot see the truth of God’s Word or the reality of God’s blessings. When the heart is consumed with envy, greed, or selfishness, it becomes difficult to recognize God’s goodness and faithfulness.

The evil eye also damages relationships. People with envy or jealousy in their hearts may struggle to maintain healthy relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. Instead of celebrating the success of others, they may feel threatened or resentful. This can lead to jealousy, gossip, and division, which go against the biblical call to love one another.

How to Guard Against an Evil Eye

The Bible offers clear guidance on how to guard against an evil eye and cultivate a heart that pleases God. One of the key ways to overcome envy and greed is to focus on generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Generosity transforms the heart, allowing people to give freely without jealousy or resentment.

Another way to guard against an evil eye is to cultivate gratitude. When people focus on God’s blessings in their own lives, they are less likely to envy the blessings of others. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, believers are instructed to "give thanks in all circumstances." Gratitude shifts the focus away from what is lacking and toward the abundance of God’s provision.

Fixing one’s eyes on Jesus is another essential way to guard against an evil eye. Hebrews 12:2 says, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." When people focus on Jesus, their hearts are filled with light, love, and truth. This focus allows them to avoid the darkness that comes from envy, greed, and selfishness.

Finally, confessing sin and seeking God’s help is essential. Envy, greed, and selfishness are heart issues that only God can heal. Psalm 51:10 offers a powerful prayer of repentance: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." By asking God to cleanse the heart, believers can experience true freedom from the evil eye and walk in the light of God’s love.

Conclusion

The concept of the evil eye in the Bible is not about superstition, curses, or mystical powers. Instead, it is about the condition of the heart. The Bible describes the evil eye as a symbol of envy, greed, selfishness, and spiritual blindness. This condition of the heart causes people to resent the success of others, focus on material wealth, and live in discontentment.

God calls people to reject the evil eye and to cultivate a heart of generosity, gratitude, and love. Jesus teaches that the "eye is the lamp of the body" and that a healthy eye fills a person with light. To guard against an evil eye, believers must practice generosity, fix their eyes on Jesus, and seek God’s help in transforming their hearts.

The Bible reminds people that the cure for the evil eye is found in Jesus Christ. By following Jesus, people experience freedom from envy, greed, and selfishness. The love of God fills their hearts, allowing them to live with contentment, joy, and peace. Rather than being consumed by jealousy, they become people who reflect God’s goodness and light to the world.