The Hebrew word ʻâvar, represented by H5786, is a primitive root that means to blind or put out. According to its base definition, it evokes the idea of a film covering the eyes. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, marking its use for specific and impactful situations.
In the biblical narrative, H5786 is used in two key contexts: figuratively in legal warnings and literally in historical accounts of judgment. In the Law, it is used to forbid bribery, warning that a gift H7810 doth blind the eyes H5869 of the wise H2450 Deuteronomy 16:19 and blindeth the wise H6493 Exodus 23:8, thereby corrupting justice. The word is also used literally to describe the grim punishment of Zedekiah H6667, the king of Judah, whose eyes H5869 were put out after he witnessed the execution of his sons H1121, before being taken captive to Babylon H894 (2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7).
Several related words help clarify the theme of blinding, whether moral or physical:
- H7810 shachad (gift): This word for a donation or bribe is identified as the direct cause of figurative blindness, as it can pervert H5557 the words H1697 of the righteous H6662 Exodus 23:8.
- H5869 ʻayin (eye): As the physical or figurative organ of sight, the eye is the object that is blinded by a gift or physically put out as a punishment (Jeremiah 52:11; Deuteronomy 16:19).
- H6667 Tsidqîyâh (Zedekiah): The king of Judah who suffered the literal fulfillment of this word when his eyes were put out by the king H4428 of Babylon H894 Jeremiah 39:7.
- H5178 nᵉchôsheth (brass, chain): This word describes the fetters or chains used to bind H631 Zedekiah after he was blinded, linking the act to his subsequent captivity (2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 52:11).
The theological weight of H5786 is centered on the concepts of justice and divine retribution.
- The Corruption of Integrity: The prohibition against taking a gift H7810 that blinds the wise establishes a divine standard for justice. It shows that impartiality (clear vision) can be compromised, leading to the perversion H5557 of judgment H4941 Deuteronomy 16:19.
- Judgment and Finality: The literal blinding of King Zedekiah H6667 is an act of ultimate judgment. His sight is taken away immediately after he sees his sons H1121 slain H7819, signifying the end of his royal line and his own hope 2 Kings 25:7.
- Symbol of Utter Defeat: Being blinded was the final act before Zedekiah was bound H631 and carried H935 to Babylon H894, where he died H4194 in prison H1004{H6486} Jeremiah 52:11. The loss of sight symbolizes a complete loss of power, freedom, and future.
In summary, H5786 is a potent word that, though used sparingly, powerfully illustrates the concept of blinding. It functions both as a metaphor for the moral corruption that perverts justice and as a literal depiction of severe, irreversible judgment. Through its usage, ʻâvar draws a stark connection between compromised vision—whether of the mind or the body—and the dire consequences of injustice and rebellion.
TRV