Blindness
Category
Sin & Human Condition
Biblical Definition
Spiritual inability or darkness that leaves sinners unable to perceive God's truth rightly apart from divine grace.
Origin(s)
Greek: τυφλός / τυφλόω
Transliteration
typhlos; typhloō
Literal meaning
blind; to blind
Key Scripture(s)
Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 15:14; John 9:39-41; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 4:18
Theological Significance
Blindness explains why sinful humanity does not naturally welcome God's revelation. It points to the necessity of divine illumination, the work of the Spirit, and the saving light of Christ.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Spiritual blindness is not mere lack of information. Scripture presents it as a moral and spiritual darkness tied to unbelief and hardness of heart.
Practical Application
This truth produces humility in believers, urgency in witness, and prayerful dependence on God to open blind eyes.