Strong’s G5185: From τύφω (to smoke); opaque (as if smoky), i.e. blind (physically or mentally); a state of being without sight or understanding, often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual blindness and the miraculous restoration of both physical and spiritual sight.

U – Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τυφλός carries profound significance in both its literal and metaphorical applications. Originally referring to physical blindness, it evolved to encompass spiritual and intellectual blindness as well. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in narratives of the Messiah’s healing ministry, where physical healing of blindness often symbolizes spiritual enlightenment. The early church understood τυφλός as representing humanity’s condition before divine intervention – unable to see or comprehend spiritual truth. Today, it powerfully illustrates our need for divine illumination and the transformative power of spiritual sight given by God.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τυφλός, typhlos, /tyˈflos/
• Pronunciation: toof-LOS
• Part of Speech: Adjective/Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τύφ- (typh-) from τύφω meaning “to smoke”
• Suffix: -λός (-los) forming adjectives
• Function: Describes condition of opacity or blindness

D – Defining Meanings

• Physically blind
• Spiritually blind
• Mentally blind or obtuse
• Unable to understand or perceive

For compound words: Not applicable as τυφλός is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Blind” – Captures both physical and spiritual meaning
• “Sightless” – Emphasizes physical condition
• “Unseeing” – Could apply to both literal and metaphorical contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πωρός (pōros, /poːˈros/) – hardened, callous See G4456
• σκοτία (skotia, /skoˈti.a/) – darkness See G4653
• ἀόρατος (aoratos, /aˈo.ra.tos/) – invisible, unseen See G517

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

Examples:

• Masculine nominative singular: τυφλός
• Feminine nominative singular: τυφλή
• Neuter nominative singular: τυφλόν
• Masculine nominative plural: τυφλοί

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical sources provide rich insight into τυφλός’s usage. BDAG emphasizes its dual literal and metaphorical applications in biblical literature. Thayer’s notes its connection to smoke and opacity. LSJ documents its evolution from physical to spiritual blindness in classical usage. Vine’s highlights its frequent use in the Messiah’s healing ministry. Strong’s connects it to the concept of being smoky or opaque. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in medical contexts. The word appears prominently in contexts of divine healing and spiritual transformation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 9:27: “When Jesus departed from there, two blind men [τυφλός] followed Him, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!'”

Additional References:
Matthew 11:5, Matthew 12:22, Matthew 15:14, Matthew 23:17, John 9:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τυφλός powerfully illustrates humanity’s spiritual condition and God’s redemptive work. The Messiah’s healing of physical blindness demonstrates His power to restore both physical and spiritual sight. In our modern context, this word reminds us that true vision comes through divine enlightenment. The good news shines through as we recognize that King Jesus came to open blind eyes – both physically and spiritually – bringing light to those in darkness and revealing the Father’s glory to those who could not see.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s connection to smoke suggests blindness as a clouding of vision
2. Early Christian baptismal liturgies referenced healing of τυφλός as spiritual illumination
3. Ancient medical texts used τυφλός to describe various forms of opacity in the eyes

Strong’s G5185: An adjective denoting physical or spiritual blindness, frequently used in the New Testament to illustrate both physical healing and spiritual transformation. Its usage spans literal sight restoration and metaphorical spiritual enlightenment through divine intervention.

Part of speech: Adjective/Noun

Tags: blindness, healing, sight, spiritual blindness, miracles, enlightenment, transformation, physical healing, spiritual sight, divine intervention, Jesus’ ministry, restoration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​