"to blind, render blind; met. Jn. 12:40; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:11*"
Definition and meaning
to blind, render blind; met. Jn. 12:40; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:11*
In the original Greek the word is written: τυφλόω
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of typhloo (G5186) across the King James Bible.
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
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Common questions
Strong's G5186 (typhloo) is a Greek word that means: to blind, render blind; met. Jn. 12:40; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:11* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word typhloo (G5186) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5186 is typhloo, a Greek word defined as: to blind, render blind; met. Jn. 12:40; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:11*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
typhloo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.