Did Paul Have Eye Problems? Myth, Language, and Theology

Did Paul Have Eye Problems? Myth, Language, and Theology

A common theory in biblical scholarship is that Paul suffered from poor eyesight. The argument often comes from Galatians 4:15, where Paul says: “I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.” Some also point to Galatians 6:11 — “Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.”

But does this really mean Paul had bad eyes? The evidence points in another direction. When we look at the Greek, the cultural background, and Paul’s theology, the claim of eye problems begins to fall apart.

Why People Think Paul Had Eye Problems

1. Galatians 4:15: Paul says the Galatians would have given him their eyes. Some take this literally — suggesting Paul himself had failing vision.

2. Galatians 6:11: He notes writing in “large letters.” Some imagine this as evidence of poor eyesight.

3. Paul’s encounter with Christ in Acts 9: He was blinded for three days. Some assume lingering damage.

On the surface, these passages could suggest eye trouble. But this interpretation misunderstands both the language and the theology of Paul’s ministry.

The Greek Phrase: “You Would Have Given Me Your Eyes”

In Galatians 4:15, Paul uses the expression: “εἰ δυνατόν, τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὑμῶν ἐξορύξαντες ἐδώκατέ μοι” (ei dynaton, tous ophthalmous hymōn exoryxantes edōkate moi) — literally, “if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.”

This was a common idiom in Greek, expressing intense loyalty or willingness to sacrifice, not a comment about Paul’s eyesight. Even today, Greek has similar phrases: “I’d give you my eyes” meaning “I’d give you my most precious thing.” It was a metaphor for deep affection, not medical diagnosis.

Other Uses in Literature

Ancient writings contain similar idiomatic expressions. Giving one’s eyes symbolized the ultimate act of love or sacrifice. It appears in Greco-Roman and Jewish writings as a poetic way of saying, “I’d do anything for you.” Paul is tapping into this cultural idiom, not revealing a health condition.

1. Greek Literature / Idioms

• Aristophanes, Plutus 540 (4th c. B.C.):

  
  

  Uses the expression “I would give my eyes for you” as a way of saying “I’d give up what’s dearest to me.”

• Menander (fragments, 4th c. B.C.):

  
  

  Uses similar phrasing: “She loves him so much she would give him her eyes.”

• Greek Proverb Collections (1st c. A.D., contemporaneous with Paul):

  
  

  Preserved idioms like “To give someone your eyes” as a hyperbolic expression of devotion.

2. Roman / Latin Parallels

• Plautus, Mostellaria 1.1 (3rd–2nd c. B.C.):

  
  

  A slave says of his master, “He would even pluck out his eyes for him.” Again, an idiom of extreme loyalty.

• Cicero, Pro Caelio 39 (1st c. B.C.):

  
  

  In describing devotion and loyalty, Cicero uses a parallel idea: “He would give his very eyes if it were possible.”

3. Jewish and Rabbinic Parallels

• In later rabbinic writings, similar idioms appear (though later codified), showing continuity in Semitic usage: “He would give him his eyes” meant “he loves him deeply.”

• This suggests Paul, as a Jew writing in Greek, was using a common cultural idiom understood in both Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts.

4. Modern Greek Continuity

Even today, in modern Greek, people still say: “Σου δίνω τα μάτια μου” (Sou dino ta matia mou) — literally, “I’d give you my eyes” — as an idiom of devotion. This shows remarkable linguistic continuity from ancient to modern usage.

Why This Matters for Galatians 4:15

Paul wasn’t hinting that he had ophthalmic disease or poor vision. He was using a well-known figure of speech, instantly recognizable to his audience. In English, it’s like saying, “I’d give you my right arm.” No one thinks the person literally intends surgery — it’s a way of saying, “I’d give you the most precious thing I have.”

“Large Letters” in Galatians 6:11

Paul’s mention of “large letters” (pēlikois grammasin) may sound like someone straining to see. But the phrase more likely refers to emphasis or bold handwriting. In the ancient world, important statements were often written in larger script to mark authority — much like underlining or bolding today. Paul likely dictated most of his letters to scribes, but occasionally signed off with his own handwriting as a mark of authenticity (cf. 2 Thess. 3:17). The “large letters” underscored his personal involvement, not bad eyesight.

Theological Considerations: Paul’s Healing in Acts

In Acts 9, Paul was blinded after encountering the risen Christ. Yet his blindness was fully healed when Ananias prayed and something like scales fell from his eyes (Acts 9:17–18). To argue that Paul remained permanently half-blind is to diminish the completeness of this miracle. Paul’s theology consistently emphasizes God’s healing and sustaining power. For Paul to limp along with half-healed blindness contradicts the pattern of Acts, where God demonstrates His power fully in the apostles.

Alternative Explanations for Paul’s Weakness

When Paul speaks of weaknesses (e.g., 2 Cor. 12’s “thorn in the flesh”), he never specifies eyesight. The evidence points elsewhere: persecution, adversaries, physical hardship. Reducing it to “bad eyes” oversimplifies the depth of Paul’s struggles.

Why the “Bad Eyes” Theory Is Problematic

1. It misunderstands idioms. Taking “give you my eyes” literally ignores its metaphorical use in Greek.

2. It downplays Paul’s theology of healing. His blindness in Acts was completely cured.

3. It misses the real focus. Paul’s concern wasn’t poor vision but false teachers distorting the gospel.

4. It distracts from Paul’s rhetorical style. He often used vivid hyperbole — curses, sarcasm, and sharp metaphors.

Conclusion

The idea that Paul had bad eyesight rests on weak foundations. His words in Galatians were idiomatic, not diagnostic. His mention of “large letters” was rhetorical, not medical. And his healing in Acts testifies to the completeness of God’s work.

Rather than picturing Paul as limping along half-blind, we should see him as Scripture presents him: fully healed, fully dependent on God’s grace, and fully committed to proclaiming Christ. The “thorn in the flesh” was not bad eyes, but something far deeper — a constant reminder that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

“So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Cor. 12:9, NLT)