Chronological timeline of texts tagged with Evil Eye Belief
About This Tag
The belief in the evil eye—an envious or malevolent gaze thought to bring misfortune and harm—has permeated cultures worldwide for thousands of years, deeply influencing literature from ancient to modern times. References to the evil eye appear nearly universally in texts from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Ancient Greece, Rome, and many other cultures. It is equally prevalent in the Biblical text and its many and varied derivative traditions.
Note: Dates shown in this timeline are approximate and based on scholarly estimates.
Back to TagDeuteronomy 28:54 / Galatians 3:1
750–400 BCE
Deuteronomy 28:54
Hebrew Bible
53 You will then eat your own offspring, the flesh of the sons and daughters the Lord your God has given you, because of the severity of the siege by which your enemies will constrict you. 54 The man among you who is by nature tender and sensitive will look with an evil eye* against his brother, his beloved wife, and his remaining children. 55 He will withhold from all of them his children’s flesh that he is eating (since there is nothing else left), because of the severity of the siege by which your enemy will constrict you in your villages.
54–55 CE
Galatians 3:1
New Testament
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has given you the evil eye?* Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort?
600–201 BCE
Proverbs 6:13
Hebrew Bible
11 and your poverty will come like a robber, and your need like an armed man. 12 A worthless and wicked person walks around saying perverse things; 13 he winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and points with his fingers; 14 he plots evil with perverse thoughts in his heart; he spreads contention at all times. 15 Therefore, his disaster will come suddenly; in an instant he will be broken, and there will be no remedy.
195–180 BCE
Sirach 27:22
Deuterocanon
20 Don’t pursue him, for he has gone far away, and has escaped like a gazelle out of the snare. 21 For a wound may be bound up, and after abuse there may be reconciliation; but he who reveals secrets is without hope. 22 One who winks the eye contrives evil things; and those who know him will keep their distance. 23 When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words; but afterward he will twist his speech and set a trap in your words. 24 I have hated many things, but nothing like him. The Lord will hate him.
600–201 BCE
Proverbs 22:9
Hebrew Bible
7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 8 The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will end. 9 A person with a good eye23 will be blessed, for he has given some of his food to the poor. 10 Drive out the scorner and contention will leave; strife and insults will cease. 11 The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious—the king will be his friend.
600–201 BCE
Proverbs 28:22
Hebrew Bible
21 To show partiality is terrible, for a person will transgress over the smallest piece of bread. 22 The person with an evil eye 62 hastens after riches and does not know that poverty will overtake him. 23 The one who reproves another will in the end find more favor than the one who flatters with the tongue. 24 The one who robs his father and mother and says, “There is no transgression,” is a companion to the one who destroys.
195–180 BCE
Sirach 14:8
Deuterocanon
6 There is none more evil than he who is grudging to himself. This is a punishment for his wickedness. 7 Even if he does good, he does it in forgetfulness. In the end, he reveals his wickedness. 8 A miser is evil. He turns away and disregards souls. 9 A covetous man’s eye is not satisfied with his portion. Wicked injustice dries up his soul. 10 A miser begrudges bread, and it is lacking at his table.
70–90 CE
Matthew 6:23
New Testament
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?
195–180 BCE
Sirach 18:18
Deuterocanon
16 Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift. 17 Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person. 18 A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of a grudging person consumes the eyes. 19 Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick. 20 Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of scrutiny you will find forgiveness.
70–90 CE
Matthew 6:23
New Testament
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
100 BCE – 100 CE
Testament of Dan 2:4
Pseudepigrapha
3 Whether it is a father or mother, he treats them as enemies; whether a brother, he no longer recognizes him; whether a prophet of the Lord, he disobeys him; whether a righteous man, he ignores him; whether a friend, he refuses to acknowledge him. 4 For the spirit of anger entangles him in a web of lies, blinds his eyes, darkens his mind with falsehood, and forces its own distorted vision upon him. 5 And how does it blind his eyes? By filling his heart with hatred, so that he grows envious of his own brother.
70–90 CE
Matthew 6:23
New Testament
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
50 BCE – 50 CE
Wisdom of Solomon 4:12
Deuterocanon
10 Being found well-pleasing to God, someone was loved. While living among sinners he was transported. 11 He was caught away, lest evil should change his understanding, or guile deceive his soul. 12 For the fascination of wickedness obscures the things which are good, and the whirl of desire perverts an innocent mind. 13 Being made perfect quickly, he filled a long time; 14 for his soul was pleasing to the Lord. Therefore he hurried out of the midst of wickedness. 15 But the peoples saw and didn’t understand, not considering this, that grace and mercy are with his chosen, and that he visits his holy ones;
54–55 CE
Galatians 3:1
New Testament
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has given you the evil eye?* Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? 4 Have you suffered so many things for nothing?—if indeed it was for nothing. 5 Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?
30–20 BCE
Virgil, Eclogues 3
Classical
Round up the sheep, lads; if the heat of the day dries up their milk, as it did of late, in vain will our fingers press the teats. Alas, alas! How lean is my bull on that fat vetch! The same love is fatal to the herd and to the master of the herd. With mine at least – and love is not to blame – their skin scarce clings to the bones. Some evil eye bewitches my tender lambs. Tell me in what lands – and to me be great Apollo – heaven’s vault is but three ells wide. Tell me in what lands grow flowers inscribed with royal names – and have Phyllis for yourself.
54–55 CE
Galatians 3:1
New Testament
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has given you the evil eye?* Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? 4 Have you suffered so many things for nothing?—if indeed it was for nothing. 5 Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?
54–55 CE
Galatians 3:1
New Testament
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has given you the evil eye?* Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? 4 Have you suffered so many things for nothing?—if indeed it was for nothing. 5 Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?
190–230 CE
Pirkei Avot 2:11
Rabbinic
11 Rabbi Joshua said: an evil eye, the evil inclination, and hatred for humankind put a person out of the world. 12 Rabbi Yose said: Let the property of your fellow be as precious to you as your own; make yourself fit to study Torah, for it will not be yours by inheritance; and let all your actions be for the sake of the name of Heaven. 13 Rabbi Shimon said: Be careful with the reading of Shema and the prayer. When you pray, do not make your prayer something automatic, but a plea for compassion before God, for it is said: "for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, and renouncing punishment" (Joel 2:13). And do not regard yourself as wicked.
60–80 CE
Jude 1:11
New Testament
9 But even when Michael the archangel was arguing with the devil and debating with him concerning Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a slanderous judgment, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these men do not understand the things they slander, and they are being destroyed by the very things that, like irrational animals, they instinctively comprehend. 11 Woe to them! For they have traveled down Cain’s path, and because of greed have abandoned themselves to Balaam’s error; hence, they will certainly perish in Korah’s rebellion. 12 These men are dangerous reefs at your love feasts, feasting without reverence, feeding only themselves. They are waterless clouds, carried along by the winds; autumn trees without fruit—twice dead, uprooted;
190–230 CE
Pirkei Avot 5:19
Rabbinic
19 Whoever possesses these three things is of the disciples of Abraham, our father; and whoever possesses three other things is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. A good eye, a humble spirit, and a moderate appetite: he is of the disciples of Abraham, our father. An evil eye, a haughty spirit, and a limitless appetite: he is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. What is the difference between the disciples of Abraham, our father, and the disciples of Balaam, the wicked? The disciples of Abraham, our father, enjoy this world and inherit the world to come, as it is said: "I will endow those who love me with substance, I will fill their treasuries" (Proverbs 8:21). But the disciples of Balaam, the wicked, inherit Gehinnom and descend into the deepest pit, as it is said: "For You, O God, will bring them down to the deepest pit, those murderous and treacherous men; they shall not live out half their days; but I trust in You" (Psalms 55:24).
70–90 CE
Matthew 5:8
New Testament
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
190–230 CE
Pirkei Avot 2:9
Rabbinic
9 He said to them: go out and see which is the right way to which a man should cling. Rabbi Eliezer said, a good eye; Rabbi Joshua said, a good companion; Rabbi Yose said, a good neighbor; Rabbi Shimon said, foresight; Rabbi Elazar said, a good heart. He said to them: I prefer the words of Elazar ben Arach, for in his words your words are included. He said to them: go out and see which is the evil way that a man should shun. Rabbi Eliezer said, an evil eye; Rabbi Joshua said, an evil companion; Rabbi Yose said, an evil neighbor; Rabbi Shimon said, one who borrows and does not repay, for one who borrows from man is as one who borrows from God, blessed be He, as it is said, "the wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous deal graciously and give" (Psalms 37:21); Rabbi Elazar said, an evil heart. He said to them: I prefer the words of Elazar ben Arach, for in his words your words are included.
77 CE
Isigonus and Nymphodorus inform us that there are in Africa certain families of enchanters, who, by means of their charms, in the form of commendations, can cause cattle to perish, trees to wither, and infants to die. Isigonus adds, that there are among the Triballi and the Illyrii, some persons of this description, who also have the power of fascination with the eyes, and can even kill those on whom they fix their gaze for any length of time, more especially if their look denotes anger; the age of puberty is said to be particularly obnoxious to the malign influence of such persons.
54–55 CE
Galatians 3:1
New Testament
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has given you the evil eye?* Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort?
90–100 CE
1 John 2:16
New Testament
14 I have written to you, children, that you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, that you have known him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young people, that you are strong, and the word of God resides in you, and you have conquered the evil one. 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, 16 because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God remains forever.
190–230 CE
Pirkei Avot 4:21
Rabbinic
20 Elisha ben Abuyah said: He who learns as a child, to what is he compared? To ink written on a new writing sheet. And he who learns as an old man, to what is he compared? To ink written on a rubbed writing sheet. Rabbi Yose ben Judah a man of Kfar Ha-babli said: He who learns from the young, to what is he compared? To one who eats unripe grapes and drinks wine from his vat. And he who learns from the old, to what is he compared? To one who eats ripe grapes and drinks old wine. Rabbi said: do not look at the container but at what is in it; there is a new container full of old wine, and an old container in which there is not even new wine. 21 Rabbi Elazar Ha-kappar said: envy, lust, and the desire for honor put a man out of the world.
120–130 CE
2 Peter 2:15
New Testament
11 yet even angels, who are much more powerful, do not bring a slanderous judgment against them in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these men, like irrational animals—creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed—do not understand whom they are insulting, and consequently in their destruction they will be destroyed, 13 suffering harm as the wages for their harmful ways. By considering it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight, they are stains and blemishes, indulging in their deceitful pleasures when they feast together with you. 14 Their eyes, full of adultery, never stop sinning; they entice unstable people. They have trained their hearts for greed, these cursed children! 15 By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, 16 yet was rebuked for his own transgression (a dumb donkey, speaking with a human voice, restrained the prophet’s madness).
190–230 CE
Pirkei Avot 5:19
Rabbinic
19 Whoever possesses these three things is of the disciples of Abraham, our father; and whoever possesses three other things is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. A good eye, a humble spirit, and a moderate appetite: he is of the disciples of Abraham, our father. An evil eye, a haughty spirit, and a limitless appetite: he is of the disciples of Balaam, the wicked. What is the difference between the disciples of Abraham, our father, and the disciples of Balaam, the wicked? The disciples of Abraham, our father, enjoy this world and inherit the world to come, as it is said: "I will endow those who love me with substance, I will fill their treasuries" (Proverbs 8:21). But the disciples of Balaam, the wicked, inherit Gehinnom and descend into the deepest pit, as it is said: "For You, O God, will bring them down to the deepest pit, those murderous and treacherous men; they shall not live out half their days; but I trust in You" (Psalms 55:24).