Spiritual Darkness Exposed: τυφλόω (Strong’s G5186: typhloō) Reveals Divine Light

Strong’s G5186: From τυφλός; to make blind, physically or mentally. A verb describing the process of becoming or making blind, often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual blindness and the consequences of rejecting divine truth.

U – Unveiling the Word

The verb τυφλόω represents the active process of becoming or making blind, carrying deep theological significance in Scripture. While it can refer to physical blindness, its primary use in the New Testament is metaphorical, describing spiritual blindness that results from hardening one’s heart against divine truth. The early church understood this word as a warning against spiritual obstinacy and a call to remain receptive to God’s revelation. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual blindness is often self-imposed through repeated rejection of truth, yet can be overcome through divine intervention.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τυφλόω, typhloō, /tyˈflo.oː/
• Pronunciation: toof-LO-oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: τυφλ- (typhl-) from τυφλός meaning “blind”
• Suffix: -όω (-oō) causative verb ending
• Function: Forms a verb indicating the act of making blind

D – Defining Meanings

• To make blind physically
• To make blind spiritually
• To darken understanding
• To harden against truth

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

Translation Options:

• “To blind” – Best captures both physical and spiritual meaning
• “To make blind” – Emphasizes causative aspect
• “To darken” – Captures metaphorical usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πωρόω (pōroō, /poːˈro.oː/) – to harden See G4456
• σκοτίζω (skotizō, /skoˈti.zoː/) – to darken See G4654
• ἀμαυρόω (amauroo, /amauˈro.oː/) – to dim See G315

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive, Perfective

Examples:

• Present Active: τυφλόω (I blind)
• Perfect Passive: τετύφλωμαι (I have been blinded)
• Aorist Active: ἐτύφλωσα (I blinded)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources reveal the rich theological significance of τυφλόω. BDAG emphasizes its frequent metaphorical usage in religious contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to willful rejection of truth. LSJ documents its development from physical to spiritual blindness in classical usage. Vine’s highlights its use in describing spiritual hardening. Strong’s connects it to the concept of opacity and darkness. Moulton and Milligan show its usage in medical contexts. The word particularly appears in contexts of divine judgment and spiritual obstinacy.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
John 12:40: “He has blinded [τυφλόω] their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 2:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τυφλόω powerfully illustrates the spiritual condition of those who resist divine truth. Yet, the good news is that this blindness is not permanent – King Jesus came to restore sight to the blind, both physically and spiritually. The word reminds us that spiritual blindness is often progressive, resulting from repeated rejection of truth, but divine grace can overcome even the deepest spiritual darkness. The Messiah’s ministry of opening blind eyes continues today through His Spirit’s work of illumination.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s causative ending (-όω) implies responsibility in the blinding process
2. Ancient medical texts used τυφλόω to describe the process of cataracts forming
3. Early church writings used this word to describe Satan’s deceptive influence

Strong’s G5186: A verb denoting the process of making blind, either physically or spiritually. In biblical usage, it often describes the spiritual hardening that results from rejecting divine truth, while also pointing to the possibility of restoration through God’s grace.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: blindness, spiritual darkness, hardening, divine judgment, restoration, spiritual sight, illumination, truth rejection, spiritual warfare, divine revelation, healing, transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​