### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻivvârôwn**, represented by `{{H5788}}`, is the term for **blindness**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The word refers to a state of blindness, used to describe both a physical condition and a divinely inflicted affliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5788}}` is used in two primary contexts. First, it denotes a physical blemish that renders an animal unacceptable for sacrifice to the Lord, listed alongside conditions like being broken or maimed [[Leviticus 22:22]]. Second, it appears as a form of divine judgment. As part of the curses for disobedience, the Lord threatens to smite the people with madness, **blindness**, and astonishment of heart [[Deuteronomy 28:28]]. This theme is echoed in Zechariah, where the Lord promises to smite the horses of the people with **blindness** in a day of battle [[Zechariah 12:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the concept of divinely inflicted blindness:
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This root verb is used to describe the action that brings about the blindness. Both [[Deuteronomy 28:28]] and [[Zechariah 12:4]] state that the Lord will **smite** with blindness.
* `{{H7697}}` **shiggâʻôwn** (craziness; furiously, madness): This term appears directly alongside **blindness** in the curses listed in Deuteronomy and the judgment described in Zechariah, indicating a related state of mental confusion ([[Deuteronomy 28:28]], [[Zechariah 12:4]]).
* `{{H8541}}` **timmâhôwn** (consternation; astonishment): This word for profound confusion is also paired with **blindness** and madness in the same passages of divine judgment ([[Deuteronomy 28:28]], [[Zechariah 12:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5788}}` is significant, highlighting God's standards and power.
* **Requirement for Holiness:** Its use in Leviticus establishes that physical wholeness, the opposite of conditions like **blindness**, is a prerequisite for that which is presented to the Lord, symbolizing the need for perfection in offerings [[Leviticus 22:22]].
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** Blindness is not merely a random affliction but a specific tool of God's judgment. It is used as a curse for disobedience and as a weapon to create confusion and helplessness among enemies ([[Deuteronomy 28:28]], [[Zechariah 12:4]]).
* **State of Helplessness:** When used as a punishment, **blindness** is grouped with madness and astonishment, illustrating a complete state of physical and mental disarray inflicted by God upon those who stand against Him or His people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5788}}` is more than a term for a physical impairment. It functions within the biblical text as a standard for sacrificial purity and, more powerfully, as a symbol of divine judgment. Its pairing with terms for madness and astonishment demonstrates its use as a potent affliction meant to strike down and confound the disobedient and the enemies of God's people.
TRV