### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀχλύς (achlýs, `{{G887}}`) fundamentally denotes a physical impairment of vision. Its base definition points to "dimness of sight," specifically likened to "a cataract" or a "mist." This implies an obscuring or clouding of vision, rendering sight unclear or entirely absent. The word describes a tangible state where the ability to perceive light and form is hindered by an internal or external obstruction to the eye. Its derivation is noted as uncertain, suggesting it is a specific, descriptive term for this phenomenon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀχλύς (achlýs, `{{G887}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making its single occurrence highly significant for its contextual understanding.
* **[[Acts 13:11]]**: "And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time." And immediately a mist ([[G887]]) and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
In this pivotal passage, Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Elymas (Bar-Jesus), a Jewish sorcerer who was attempting to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith. As a divine judgment, Paul declares that Elymas will be temporarily blind. The immediate effect is described by the falling of "a mist" (ἀχλύς) and "darkness" (σκότος, `{{G4655}}`) upon him. Here, ἀχλύς refers to the visible, physical manifestation of blindness, a clouding of the eyes that precedes or accompanies the complete darkness. It is a miraculous, instantaneous affliction, serving as a powerful sign of God's judgment against those who oppose His truth and seek to pervert His ways. The physical "mist" highlights the immediate, tangible nature of the divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of obscured vision or blindness is frequently explored in the biblical text, often carrying both literal and metaphorical meanings. Related Greek terms include:
* **τυφλός** (typhlos, `{{G5185}}`): The common adjective for "blind."
* **τυφλόω** (typhlóō, `{{G5186}}`): To make blind, to blind.
* **σκότος** (skotos, `{{G4655}}`): Darkness, often used literally for physical darkness, but also metaphorically for spiritual ignorance or evil. Its pairing with ἀχλύς in [[Acts 13:11]] emphasizes the completeness of the visual impairment.
* **βλέπω** (blepō, `{{G991}}`): To see, to look.
* **ὁράω** (horaō, `{{G3708}}`): To see, perceive, understand.
* **ἀμαύρωσις** (amaurōsis, `{{G257}}`): Dimness, obscurity (though not directly linked by Strong's, semantically related to visual impairment).
Theological concepts related to ἀχλύς include divine judgment, miraculous power, the contrast between light and darkness (or clarity and obscurity), and the interplay between physical and spiritual sight.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἀχλύς (achlýs, `{{G887}}`) in [[Acts 13:11]] carries profound theological significance. It is not merely a description of a physical ailment but a direct, visible manifestation of divine judgment.
1. **Divine Judgment and Power**: The immediate onset of "mist and darkness" upon Elymas demonstrates God's sovereign power to intervene directly in human affairs, particularly to hinder those who actively oppose His will and seek to mislead others from the truth. This act serves as a powerful deterrent and a testament to God's authority.
2. **Physical Manifestation of Spiritual State**: Elymas, who was spiritually blind to the truth of the gospel and sought to pervert "the right ways of the Lord," was struck with a physical blindness. The "mist" served as a visible metaphor for his spiritual condition, highlighting the consequences of rejecting divine light.
3. **Sign for Witness**: The miraculous affliction of Elymas served as a powerful sign to the proconsul Sergius Paulus, who, upon witnessing it, believed and was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. The physical "mist" made the spiritual reality undeniable.
4. **Contrast with Light**: The "mist" and "darkness" stand in stark contrast to the light of the gospel that Paul was proclaiming. Those who resist the light are plunged into a state of obscurity and inability to perceive truth. The temporary nature of the blindness ("for a time") also suggests a potential for repentance, though Elymas's response is not recorded.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀχλύς (achlýs, `{{G887}}`) denotes a physical "mist" or "dimness of sight," akin to a cataract. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Acts 13:11]] describes the immediate, divinely imposed blindness that fell upon Elymas the sorcerer. This "mist" was a tangible sign of God's judgment, rendering Elymas physically unable to see, mirroring his spiritual opposition to the truth. Theologically, ἀχλύς underscores God's sovereign power to intervene, His judgment against those who resist His will, and the profound connection between physical and spiritual sight. It serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of rejecting the light of the gospel, plunging the resistant into a state of obscurity and helplessness.
TRV