### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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