The Greek word blémma, represented by G990, refers to vision or seeing. Derived from the word βλέπω, its definition allows for both a concrete, physical act of sight and a more abstract implication of vision. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its specific context particularly important.
The single use of G990 is found in a description of Lot's experience while living among wicked people. The text explains that the "righteous man" was tormented "in seeing and hearing" the lawless deeds around him 2 Peter 2:8. Here, blémma is not a passive observation but an active part of the righteous man's daily suffering. It is paired with hearing to describe the total sensory and spiritual assault he endured by being exposed to constant unrighteousness.
Several related words from its only context in 2 Peter 2:8 illuminate its meaning:
- G1342 díkaios (just, meet, right(-eous)): This describes the character of the man whose "seeing" is discussed. It was the "righteous man" whose "righteous soul" was vexed by what he saw 2 Peter 2:8.
- G189 akoḗ (hearing): Paired directly with blémma, this term completes the picture of sensory input. The man's distress came from both seeing and hearing the surrounding evil 2 Peter 2:8.
- G459 ánomos (lawless, unlawful, wicked): This specifies what was being seen. The righteous man was vexed by the unlawful deeds he was forced to witness day after day 2 Peter 2:8.
- G928 basanízō (to torture): This word reveals the consequence of the seeing. The act of witnessing these deeds tormented or vexed his soul, highlighting the deep spiritual pain involved 2 Peter 2:8.
- G5590 psychḗ (soul): This identifies the part of the person that was afflicted. The torment caused by seeing the wickedness was not physical but a deep affliction of his soul 2 Peter 2:8.
The theological weight of G990 is concentrated in its single, poignant use.
- The Pain of Perception: The use of blémma in this context establishes that for the righteous, seeing unrighteousness is a source of genuine spiritual pain. It demonstrates that a believer's senses can become a source of torment when exposed to acts contrary to God's nature.
- Witnessing as an Affliction: The verse shows that seeing is more than a neutral act of observation. For Lot, it was a daily experience that actively "vexed his righteous soul," linking the act of witnessing sin to a state of spiritual anguish 2 Peter 2:8.
- The Incompatibility of Righteousness and Lawlessness: The context of G990 powerfully illustrates the conflict between a righteous soul and a lawless environment. The righteous man's constant seeing of sin created an unavoidable and painful friction within his spirit.
In summary, while blémma G990 is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, its solitary appearance offers a profound insight. It elevates the concept of seeing from a simple physical function to a deeply moral and spiritual experience. Its use in 2 Peter 2:8 demonstrates that what a righteous person is forced to witness can have a tormenting effect on their very soul, underscoring the spiritual consequences of the world we see around us.
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