a primitive root (rather denominatively from עוֹר through the idea of a film over the eyes); to blind; blind, put out. See also עַיִר.
Transliteration:ʻâvar
Pronunciation:aw-var'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5786 (עָוַר, ʻâvar) is a primitive verb primarily meaning "to blind" or "to put out (eyes)." Its etymology, as suggested by the Strong's definition, points to a connection with `{{H5785}}` (עוֹר, ʻôwr), "skin" or "hide," through the concept of a "film over the eyes." This suggests an obstruction or covering that causes a loss of sight. The semantic range of H5786 encompasses both the literal act of causing physical blindness and a metaphorical sense, particularly in the context of moral or judicial discernment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H5786 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant:
* **Literal Blinding:** In [[2 Kings 25:7]], [[Jeremiah 39:7]], and [[Jeremiah 52:11]], the verb describes the brutal act of putting out King Zedekiah's eyes by the Babylonians after his capture. This act, a common ancient Near Eastern punishment for rebellion, served as a definitive end to his reign and freedom, fulfilling prophetic judgment against him. The context is one of severe military defeat and divine retribution.
* **Metaphorical Blinding:** H5786 is used metaphorically in legal and ethical contexts:
* In [[Exodus 23:8]], the Torah commands, "You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the righteous." Here, the bribe is depicted as an agent that "blinds" (יְעַוֵּר) the eyes of those who should be able to see justice clearly, leading to perverted judgment.
* Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 16:19]] reiterates this principle: "You shall not distort justice; you shall not show partiality, nor shall you take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous." The "wise" (חֲכָמִים) are specifically noted as susceptible to this moral blinding, emphasizing that even those with discernment can be corrupted.
These occurrences highlight the dual nature of H5786: a physical act of disabling and a moral act of corrupting discernment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root H5786 is foundational to a small but significant word family related to sight and its absence:
* `{{H5787}}` (עִוֵּר, ʻiwwēr): This is the most direct derivative, functioning as an adjective meaning "blind" or a noun referring to "a blind person." It describes the state or individual resulting from the action of H5786.
* `{{H5789}}` (עִוְרוֹן, ʻiwwərôn): A noun meaning "blindness," denoting the condition itself.
* `{{H5785}}` (עוֹר, ʻôwr): "Skin, hide." As noted in the base definition, this word is considered the etymological root, suggesting the idea of a "film" or "covering" that obstructs sight.
* **Concepts:** The word H5786 is intimately connected to concepts such as justice, judgment, discernment, wisdom, and the consequences of sin. Its use in the legal sphere underscores the importance of clear vision and impartiality in upholding God's righteous standards.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5786 is profound, touching upon divine justice, human corruption, and the nature of perception:
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The literal blinding of King Zedekiah serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment and the irreversible consequences of rebellion against God. It signifies the complete loss of power, freedom, and the ability to rule, marking the end of the Davidic monarchy's independent rule in Judah. This act embodies the severity of God's response to covenant unfaithfulness.
* **Ethical Purity and Discernment:** The metaphorical use of H5786 in the context of bribery reveals God's absolute demand for integrity in justice. Bribery, by "blinding" the eyes of the wise, perverts the very foundation of righteousness and equity. This emphasizes that true wisdom and discernment are not merely intellectual capacities but are intrinsically linked to moral purity and adherence to God's law. God desires His people, particularly those in authority, to have "eyes to see" the truth and administer justice without distortion.
* **Spiritual Blindness (Implied):** While H5786 itself does not directly describe spiritual blindness in the same way the New Testament might, its metaphorical use lays a foundational concept. The inability to "see" justice clearly due to corruption parallels a spiritual inability to discern God's will or truth due to sin. This foreshadows the broader biblical theme where a lack of spiritual perception is often a consequence of disobedience or a form of divine judgment (e.g., [[Isaiah 6:9-10]]).
* **Vulnerability and Helplessness:** The act of blinding, whether literal or metaphorical, renders the subject vulnerable and helpless. Physically, it removes agency and independence. Morally, it removes the capacity for sound judgment, leading to error and injustice. This highlights human dependence on divine guidance for true sight and discernment.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H5786 (עָוַר, ʻâvar) signifies "to blind" or "to put out (eyes)," stemming from the idea of an obstructing film. Biblically, it is employed in two primary ways: literally, to describe the physical blinding of King Zedekiah as an act of severe judgment; and metaphorically, to portray how bribery "blinds" the eyes of the wise, perverting justice and discernment. Closely related to `{{H5787}}` ("blind" adjective/noun) and `{{H5789}}` ("blindness"), H5786 carries significant theological weight. It underscores God's unwavering demand for righteous justice, serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment against disobedience, and implicitly points to the profound impact of sin on one's ability to perceive truth and act with integrity.
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