עָוַר
to blind
Definition
The Hebrew verb עָוַר (ʻâvar) primarily means 'to blind' or 'to make blind.' In its literal sense, it describes the physical act of blinding someone, as seen in the brutal punishments inflicted on kings (2 Kings 25:7, Jeremiah 39:7, 52:11). Figuratively, it is used in legal contexts to describe the corrupting influence of bribes, which are said to 'blind' the eyes of judges and pervert justice, making them unable to see the truth of a case (Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19). Thus, the word encompasses both a concrete physical action and a powerful metaphor for moral and judicial corruption.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used five times in the Old Testament. Its usage falls into two clear patterns. First, it appears in historical narratives describing the literal blinding of conquered kings by their captors, specifically King Zedekiah by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:7, Jeremiah 39:7, 52:11). Second, it is used in legal portions of the Torah (Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19) to warn against bribery, using blinding as a metaphor for how gifts distort a judge's perception and judgment. All instances carry a strong negative connotation of violence, punishment, or corruption.
Etymology
The verb עָוַר (ʻâvar) is considered a primitive root. It is likely derived denominatively from the noun עוֹר (ʻôr, H5785), meaning 'skin' or 'hide,' through the concept of a 'film' or covering over the eyes that causes blindness. This connection highlights the physical mechanism of blinding—obscuring or damaging the eye's surface. The related noun עִוֵּר (ʻiwwēr, H5787) means 'blind man.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects physical violence with spiritual and moral failure. The literal blinding of kings (2 Kings 25:7) is a stark fulfillment of covenant curses for disobedience. More profoundly, its figurative use in the Law (Exodus 23:8) establishes a key biblical principle: corruption, symbolized by 'blinding' bribes, fundamentally perverts God's standard of justice and truth. Understanding this Hebrew metaphor enriches reading by showing how physical disability is used to illustrate a spiritual condition—the inability to discern righteously due to sin or corrupt influence.
In the ancient Near East, blinding was a common practice for dealing with deposed royalty or serious enemies. It was a punishment designed to permanently incapacitate a leader, rendering him unfit to rule or lead a rebellion, as seen with Zedekiah. The metaphorical use in legal texts reflects a deep cultural understanding that sight was equated with judgment, perception, and wisdom. A 'blinded' judge was not merely biased but was considered fundamentally disabled in his core function, making the warning against bribery exceptionally severe.
סָגַר (sāgar, H5462) — to shut (eyes); often a voluntary closing, unlike the inflicted violence of עָוַר. עִוֵּר (ʻiwwēr, H5787) — the noun 'blind man,' the state resulting from the verb's action. חָשַׁךְ (ḥāšak, H2821) — to be or become dark; can metaphorically describe dimmed eyes or understanding, but is broader than physical blinding.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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