### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **typhlóō**, represented by `{{G5186}}`, means to **make blind**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can mean physical blindness, its scriptural use is figurative, referring to the act of spiritually or intellectually obscuring the truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G5186}}` highlights several distinct agents of spiritual blindness. In one instance, it is "the god of this world" who has **blinded** the minds of unbelievers, preventing the light of the gospel from shining on them [[2 Corinthians 4:4]]. The word is also used to describe a divine act of judgment, where God has **blinded** people's eyes and hardened their hearts so they cannot see, understand, or be converted and healed [[John 12:40]]. Finally, a state of sin itself can be the cause, as the one who hates his brother walks in darkness, and the darkness has **blinded** his eyes [[1 John 2:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the concept of spiritual blindness:
* `{{G4456}}` **pōróō** (harden): Defined as to petrify or render callous, this word is used in direct parallel with `{{G5186}}` to describe a heart that is **hardened** in conjunction with eyes that are blinded [[John 12:40]].
* `{{G3788}}` **ophthalmós** (eye): This word for the **eye** is used both literally and figuratively and is the direct object of the blinding action in scripture, representing the faculty of spiritual perception ([[John 12:40]], [[1 John 2:11]]).
* `{{G4653}}` **skotía** (darkness): Meaning dimness or obscurity, **darkness** is presented not just as a state but as an active agent that has **blinded** the eyes of one who hates his brother and walks in it [[1 John 2:11]].
* `{{G3540}}` **nóēma** (mind): This term for perception or the intellect is what is specifically targeted and **blinded** by "the god of this world" to keep unbelievers from the truth [[2 Corinthians 4:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5186}}` is significant, revealing the profound barriers to spiritual sight.
* **Satanic Obstruction:** The term is used to show the active work of "the god of this world" in blinding the **minds** `{{G3540}}` of those who do not believe, specifically to keep them from the **light** `{{G5462}}` of the gospel [[2 Corinthians 4:4]].
* **Judicial Hardening:** Scripture shows that God can use blinding as an act of judgment. He has **blinded** their eyes so they will not **see** `{{G1492}}` with them, nor **understand** `{{G3539}}` with their heart, nor **be converted** `{{G1994}}` and healed [[John 12:40]].
* **The Consequence of Sin:** A person's own sin can result in blindness. One who **hateth** `{{G3404}}` his **brother** `{{G80}}` is described as being in **darkness** `{{G4653}}`, and that very darkness is what **blinded** his eyes [[1 John 2:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5186}}` is a powerful figurative term that describes a state of spiritual inability to perceive truth. Though used infrequently, its occurrences are theologically critical, attributing this blindness to the influence of "the god of this world," the judicial act of God, or the inherent consequence of living in sin and hatred. It underscores that seeing the light of the gospel requires more than physical sight; it requires a mind and eyes that have been kept from spiritual blindness.
TRV