from a compound of the base of μυστήριον and (the face; from ὀπτάνομαι); to shut the eyes, i.e. blink (see indistinctly):-- cannot see far off.
Transliteration:myōpázō
Pronunciation:moo-ope-ad'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3467}}` (myōpázō) is a compound word derived from a base related to μυστήριον (mystērion), implying a shutting or closing, and ὀπτάνομαι (optánomai), meaning "to see." This etymological root suggests a literal meaning of "to shut the eyes" or "to blink." Consequently, the primary semantic range extends to "to see indistinctly," "to be shortsighted," or "to be nearsighted." It denotes a deficiency in visual acuity, specifically the inability to perceive objects clearly at a distance. Metaphorically, it implies a lack of foresight, a limited perspective, or an inability to grasp the broader picture, focusing only on what is immediately present or near.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G3467}}` (myōpázō) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Peter 1:9]]. The verse reads: "For he who lacks these things is blind, `{{G3467}}` (myōpázō), having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins."
In this sole occurrence, `{{G3467}}` is used metaphorically to describe a spiritual condition. Peter lists a series of virtues—faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love—which, if present and increasing, ensure a fruitful and effective knowledge of Jesus Christ ([[2 Peter 1:5-8]]). The absence or neglect of these virtues leads to the spiritual impairment described as being "blind" (`{{G5185}}`, tuphlos) and "nearsighted" (`{{G3467}}`, myōpázō).
The context strongly suggests that this "nearsightedness" is not merely a passive lack but an active spiritual deficiency. It results in a failure to remember foundational truths, specifically the cleansing from former sins. This implies a spiritual amnesia, a forgetting of the profound grace and transformation experienced through Christ. The individual becomes preoccupied with immediate concerns or earthly perspectives, losing sight of the eternal implications of their faith and the trajectory of their spiritual journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G3467}}` (myōpázō) is closely associated with concepts of vision, perception, and spiritual understanding.
* **Blindness (`{{G5185}}`, tuphlos; `{{G5186}}`, tuphloō):** In [[2 Peter 1:9]], `{{G3467}}` is immediately preceded by `{{G5185}}` (tuphlos), suggesting that spiritual nearsightedness is a specific manifestation or a particular kind of spiritual blindness. While tuphlos denotes a complete lack of sight, myōpázō specifies a limited, constricted vision—seeing only what is near.
* **Seeing/Perceiving (`{{G991}}`, blepō; `{{G3708}}`, horao):** These general verbs for seeing stand in stark contrast to `{{G3467}}`. The Christian life calls for clear, discerning spiritual vision, not a restricted one.
* **Knowledge/Full Knowledge (`{{G1108}}`, gnōsis; `{{G1922}}`, epignōsis):** The entire passage in 2 Peter 1 emphasizes the importance of "knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" ([[2 Peter 1:8]]). Spiritual nearsightedness is antithetical to the pursuit and application of true spiritual knowledge, which requires a broad and deep understanding of God's truth.
* **Forgetfulness (`{{G1950}}`, epilanthánomai):** The verse explicitly links `{{G3467}}` with "having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins." This highlights a critical consequence of spiritual shortsightedness: a failure to remember and live in light of past divine grace and foundational truths.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3467}}` (myōpázō) in [[2 Peter 1:9]] is profound, underscoring the critical importance of spiritual vision and memory in the Christian life.
1. **Spiritual Growth and Effectiveness:** Peter argues that the presence and growth of virtues lead to an "effective and increasing knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" ([[2 Peter 1:8]]). Conversely, spiritual nearsightedness indicates a stagnation or regression in this knowledge, rendering one "ineffective and unfruitful." It implies a failure to progress in sanctification and to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
2. **Memory of Salvation:** The direct consequence of being `{{G3467}}` (myōpázō) is forgetting one's cleansing from former sins. This is not merely an intellectual oversight but a spiritual amnesia that diminishes gratitude, assurance, and the motivation for holy living. To forget the radical transformation wrought by Christ's atonement is to lose sight of the very foundation of one's faith.
3. **Holistic Perspective:** Spiritual nearsightedness prevents a believer from seeing the "far off" things – the eternal kingdom, God's overarching plan, the future hope, and the full implications of their calling. It confines one's spiritual perspective to immediate circumstances, fleeting desires, or earthly concerns, neglecting the eternal weight of glory and the enduring promises of God.
4. **Assurance and Calling:** The preceding verses in 2 Peter 1 emphasize making "your calling and election sure" ([[2 Peter 1:10]]). Spiritual shortsightedness hinders this assurance, as it obscures the long-term trajectory of God's faithfulness and one's participation in His divine nature. A clear, expansive spiritual vision is essential for walking confidently in one's divine calling.
5. **Ethical Implications:** The virtues Peter lists are not abstract concepts but practical expressions of a transformed life. The absence of these virtues, leading to `{{G3467}}` (myōpázō), suggests an ethical failure to live out the implications of one's salvation, resulting in a life that is spiritually unproductive and lacks true discernment.
### Summary
`{{G3467}}` (myōpázō) literally means "to blink" or "to be nearsighted," and in its sole biblical occurrence in [[2 Peter 1:9]], it is powerfully employed metaphorically. It describes a state of spiritual shortsightedness or constricted vision, which is a specific form of spiritual blindness. This condition arises from the absence or neglect of essential Christian virtues and manifests as a failure to remember the foundational truth of one's cleansing from sin. Theologically, `{{G3467}}` underscores the vital importance of maintaining clear, far-reaching spiritual vision, which encompasses both the remembrance of God's past grace and a forward-looking perspective toward His eternal promises. Its presence signifies a spiritual immaturity or regression that hinders fruitfulness, assurance, and a full grasp of one's identity and calling in Christ.
TRV