τυφλός

blind

Definition

The Greek adjective τυφλός (typhlos) primarily means 'blind,' describing the physical inability to see, as in the healing of two blind men in Matthew 9:27-28. It is also used metaphorically to denote spiritual blindness or a lack of understanding, such as when Jesus calls the Pharisees 'blind guides' in Matthew 15:14. In some passages, like Matthew 11:5, the healing of the blind is presented as a messianic sign, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and demonstrating Jesus's divine authority.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 48 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels (especially Matthew, Mark, and John) and Acts, where it appears in narratives of Jesus's healing miracles (e.g., Matthew 9:27-28, John 9). It is also employed in Jesus's teachings to critique religious leaders for their spiritual blindness (Matthew 15:14, 23:16-17) and in parables (John 9:39-41). The usage consistently contrasts physical sight with spiritual insight or ignorance.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb τυφλόω (typhloō), meaning 'to blind' or 'to make blind,' which itself may be related to τύφω (typhō), 'to smoke' or 'to raise a smoke,' suggesting a clouding or obscuring of vision. This root connection implies blindness as a state of being clouded or darkened, fitting both its literal and metaphorical applications.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights a key theme in the Gospels: Jesus as the light who opens both physical and spiritual eyes. The healing of the blind serves as a tangible sign of the inbreaking Kingdom of God (Matthew 11:5) and Jesus's identity as the Messiah. Understanding τυφλός enriches reading by revealing the contrast between human spiritual darkness and the illuminating work of Christ, calling believers to seek true sight through faith.

In first-century Jewish culture, blindness was often viewed not just as a physical ailment but sometimes as a consequence of sin (John 9:2), leading to social marginalization. Jesus's healings thus restored not only sight but also social standing and religious inclusion. The metaphorical use of blindness for spiritual ignorance was also common in Jewish and Greco-Roman moral teachings, making Jesus's critiques resonate with contemporary audiences.

πωρόω (pōroō, G4456) — to harden or make callous, often describing a heart that is spiritually dulled or blinded. ἀλαός (alaos) — an older poetic term for blind, not used in the New Testament but showing lexical variety.

Word Details

Scripture References