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.
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.
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).
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.
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