Lexical Summary teballul: Confusion, mixture Original Word: תְּבַּלֻּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance destruction From balal in the original sense of flowing: a cataract (in the eye) -- blemish. see HEBREW balal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom balal Definition confusion, obscurity NASB Translation defect (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תְּבַלֻּל noun [masculine] confusion, obscurity (on form compare Arabic conjugation see Infinitive Sta§ 267) Leviticus 21:20 (H) בעינו ׳ת i.e. defective sight? compare Di. ("" שֶׁבֶר, גִּבֵּן, דַּק, מְרוֺחַ אָ֑שֶׁךְ, etc.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Occurrence The term appears a single time in the Old Testament, describing a specific ocular blemish that disqualifies an otherwise legitimate descendant of Aaron from officiating at the altar (Leviticus 21:20). It denotes a clouding, film, or other visible defect of the eye. Levitical Context Leviticus 21:17–23 lists physical impairments that bar a priest from approaching the sanctuary’s holy things. This statute does not expel the affected priest from the community; he may “eat the food of his God, both the most holy and the holy” (Leviticus 21:22). The regulation highlights three principles: 1. God’s altar demanded wholeness in those who represented the people before Him. Symbolic Theology of Wholeness The defect illustrates how any hint of corruption mars the representation of divine holiness. As sacrifices had to be without blemish (Leviticus 22:19–20), so the priests themselves were to mirror that perfection. The visible nature of an eye disorder vividly portrays impaired perception—an apt image for the danger of spiritual blindness (Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 6:9–10). Typological Fulfillment in Christ The High Priesthood of Jesus Christ fulfills the pattern. He alone is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26), possessing flawless insight and vision (John 2:24–25). Peter testifies, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). The Levites’ restrictions therefore foreshadow the absolute purity required of the ultimate Mediator. Historical and Medical Background Ancient Near-Eastern texts reveal limited ophthalmic knowledge; conditions such as cataracts or leukoma were common and largely untreatable. Priests served as both spiritual and medical inspectors (Leviticus 13), so impaired eyesight would hinder careful examination of sacrificial animals and ritual texts. By excluding such priests from service, Israel safeguarded both accuracy and symbolism. Ministry Applications 1. Spiritual Vision: Leaders in every age must guard against moral and doctrinal “clouding.” Paul exhorts overseers to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2). Related Biblical Motifs • Blindness and sight as metaphors for judgment or salvation: 2 Kings 6:17; John 9:39. The single occurrence of תְּבַלֻּל thus contributes to a broader biblical narrative: God demands perfect representation of His holiness, provides compassionate inclusion for the imperfect, and ultimately fulfills both in the flawless High Priest, Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations תְּבַלֻּ֣ל תבלל tə·ḇal·lul təḇallul tevalLulLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 21:20 HEB: דַ֔ק א֖וֹ תְּבַלֻּ֣ל בְּעֵינ֑וֹ א֤וֹ NAS: or [one who has] a defect in his eye KJV: or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, INT: A dwarf or a defect his eye or 1 Occurrence |
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