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Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μονόφθαλμος (monophthalmos), translated as “one-eyed” or “having one eye,” is significant in Biblical studies because it represents an intense metaphorical image in the New Testament, particularly in Jesus’ teachings about avoiding sin. In Matthew 18:9, Jesus says, “If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye (monophthalmos) than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” This powerful statement emphasizes the severity of sin and the necessity of removing anything that might lead one astray, even at great personal cost. Understanding this word gives depth to the meaning behind Jesus’ stark warnings and its cultural context in the Greco-Roman world.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μονόφθαλμος (monophthalmos), pronounced mo-NOF-thal-mos

Etymology: The word is a compound of two Greek elements: μόνος (monos), meaning “alone” or “only,” and ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos), meaning “eye.” Together, they form the meaning “one-eyed” or “single-eyed.” The use of such compound words was common in Greek, adding vividness and intensity to descriptions.

Part of Speech: Adjective, used to describe a person or object as having only one eye.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. One-eyed: In its literal sense, monophthalmos refers to someone who is physically missing one eye or who has lost the use of one eye. It can describe a physical defect or condition.

2. Metaphorically one-eyed: Jesus uses the term metaphorically in Matthew 18:9 to emphasize the extreme measures one should take to avoid spiritual destruction. The figurative use of monophthalmos heightens the ethical teaching on sin and repentance, illustrating that spiritual wholeness is far more important than physical completeness.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) [pronunciation: of-THAL-mos]: This word means “eye” and is used frequently in both literal and metaphorical senses in the New Testament. While ophthalmos refers to the eye itself, monophthalmos adds the dimension of being singular or incomplete.

2. τυφλός (typhlos) [pronunciation: TIF-los]: This word means “blind.” Unlike monophthalmos, which describes partial loss of vision (having only one functioning eye), typhlos refers to complete blindness.

3. μόνος (monos) [pronunciation: MO-nos]: This adjective means “alone” or “single.” When combined with ophthalmos, it creates monophthalmos, illustrating something or someone characterized by having one or being solitary in terms of eyes.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, monophthalmos conforms to the standard Greek adjective declensions. It must agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case.

• Case: Nominative (subject), genitive (possession), dative (indirect object), and accusative (direct object).

• Number: Singular and plural.

• Gender: Masculine, feminine, and neuter.

Here is an example of its declension in the singular form:

Case Masculine Feminine Neuter

Nominative μονόφθαλμος μονόφθαλμος μονόφθαλμον

Genitive μονόφθαλμου μονόφθαλμου μονόφθαλμου

Dative μονόφθαλμῳ μονόφθαλμῳ μονόφθαλμῳ

Accusative μονόφθαλμον μονόφθαλμον μονόφθαλμον

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, monophthalmos is used in a figurative sense to teach a lesson about the consequences of sin and the importance of moral and spiritual purity. The emphasis is not on literal blindness but rather on the concept of willing sacrifice for the sake of spiritual well-being. The word appears less frequently in classical Greek literature but was used in medical texts to describe those with one eye. Theological lexicons emphasize that the metaphor highlights the moral urgency in Jesus’ teachings, urging believers to sever ties with anything that might compromise their faith.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 18:9 – “If your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye [μονόφθαλμος] than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.”

2. Mark 9:47 – “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye [μονόφθαλμος] than with two eyes to be thrown into hell.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Hippocrates Medical Texts “The man was left one-eyed [μονόφθαλμος] after the accident.”

Plato Republic “It is not better to be one-eyed [μονόφθαλμος] in a world full of blind men.”

Septuagint Genesis 19:11 “And they were struck with blindness, from the greatest to the least, so that they struggled even to find the door.”

Noteworthy Summary

Monophthalmos is a significant word in understanding the metaphors used by Jesus to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the drastic measures one must take to maintain spiritual integrity. In its literal sense, it refers to someone with one eye, but in Biblical contexts, it serves as a metaphor for the sacrifices required to follow God’s commands. It exemplifies how physical loss can be a representation of spiritual gain, as seen in Jesus’ teachings about cutting off sources of sin.

Did You Know?

1. The word monophthalmos is related to the English medical term “monocular,” which means having or using only one eye.

2. In ancient Greek medical texts, the condition of being one-eyed was often discussed in relation to injury and battlefield trauma.

3. Jesus’ use of this word underscores the idea that spiritual wellness far outweighs physical wholeness.