Original Word: עָוַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: `avar
Pronunciation: ah-var
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-var')
Definition: to blind
Meaning: To blind, to make blind, to put out the eyes

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G5185 (τυφλός, typhlos): Blind
• G5186 (τυφλόω, typhloō): To blind, to make blind

These Greek terms are used in the New Testament to convey similar concepts of physical and spiritual blindness, often in the context of Jesus' healing miracles and teachings on spiritual insight.

Usage: The verb עָוַר (ʿāwar) is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe the act of blinding or causing blindness, whether physically or metaphorically. It can refer to the literal act of blinding someone or to the figurative sense of causing someone to be unable to perceive or understand.

Context: The Hebrew verb עָוַר (ʿāwar) appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, often conveying the idea of physical blindness or the act of blinding. For instance, in 1 Samuel 11:2, Nahash the Ammonite threatens to gouge out the right eye of the Israelites, using the verb to describe this act of blinding. Similarly, in Judges 16:21, the Philistines gouge out Samson's eyes, rendering him blind. The term is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral blindness, where individuals or groups are unable to perceive truth or righteousness. This metaphorical use underscores the broader biblical theme of spiritual insight versus blindness.

The concept of blindness in the Bible often carries significant theological implications, symbolizing a lack of understanding or awareness of God's will. In Deuteronomy 28:28, blindness is listed among the curses for disobedience, indicating a state of spiritual and moral confusion. The prophets frequently use the imagery of blindness to critique the spiritual state of Israel, as seen in Isaiah 42:19, where the servant of the Lord is described as blind.

The act of blinding, whether literal or metaphorical, serves as a powerful motif in biblical literature, emphasizing the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as the need for divine intervention to restore sight and understanding.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to make blind, blind
NASB Translation
blinded (2), blinds (2), put (1).

[עָוַר] verb Pi`el make blind, blind (original meaning of √ dubious; Thes עור = dig (Arabic etc. cave); Hal<sup>RŠJ xi, 67</sup> compare עוֺר skin, whence blindness as cataract; — Aramaic adjective עֲוִיר, blind, Pa`el עַוַּר, = Hebrew Pi`el; Arabic be one-eyed, Ethiopic be blind Di⁹⁹⁵); —

Pi`el Perfect3masculine singular עִוֵּר 2 Kings 25:7, with עֵינֵי put out the eyes of = Jeremiah 39:7 = Jeremiah 52:11; Imperfect3masculine singular יְעַוֵּר figurative, Exodus 23:8 (E) a bribe blindeth, with accusative of person (⅏ ᵐ5 insert עֵינֵי); Deuteronomy 16:19, with עֵינֵי.

blind, put out

A primitive root (rather denominatively from owr through the idea of a film over the eyes); to blind -- blind, put out. See also ayir.

see HEBREW owr

see HEBREW ayir

יְעַוֵּ֣ר יְעַוֵּר֙ יעור עִוֵּ֑ר עִוֵּ֔ר עור ‘iw·wêr ‘iwwêr ivVer yə‘awwêr yə·‘aw·wêr yeavVerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts