Skip to main content
Log in

The Evil Eye: A Cautious Look

  • Psychological Exploration
  • Published:
Journal of Religion and Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article analyzes the superstition of the evil eye from a psychosocial perspective. The commonly employed antidotes to the evil eye are discussed. These include knock on wood, kenehora, and various other culturally prescribed protective measures. The sin of envy, the role of God, Scripture, and Satan are examined. The author concludes with a statement of his own way of dealing with the evil eye and its underlying essence.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • The Evil Eye. (2004). The Classic Account of an Ancient Superstition, Frederick Thomas Elworthy, London, 1895, Dover Edition, p. 8.

  • Rolleston, J. D. (1927). Alexander haggerty krappe, balor with the evil eye. N.Y: Columbia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rolleston, J. D., Gordon, C. F., & Lee, Benjamin. (1961). The evil eye. Hebrew Medical Journal, 34, 292.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thagard, P. (2010). The brain and the meaning of life (p. 132). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ancient Hebrew Commentary. Midrash, Jalkut Hiob, 908:Lev. R, 17-3, Ca Second Century, CE.

  • Ethics of the Fathers/Pirkei Avot, Ben Zoma, 4:1.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Allan S. Berger.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Berger, A.S. The Evil Eye: A Cautious Look. J Relig Health 52, 785–788 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-010-9450-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-010-9450-8

Keywords

Navigation