[Greek] τυφλόω (typhloō), [Latin] excaecare, [French] obscurer, [German] blind macken: to blind, to obscure, to dull (the intellect), to make not to understand; 2Cor.4:4, Jn. 12:40, 1Jn. 2:11
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to blind, to render ineffectual (unsuccessful), and to baffle. This term can be used in a literal, metaphorical, and proverbial sense. Euripides’ Hecuba 1035 states “O horror! I am blinded by the light of my eyes, ah me!” Plato’s Timaeus 47b states “He that is no philosopher when deprived of the sight thereof may utter vain lamentations.” Plato’s Phaedo 99e states “I thought of that danger, and I was afraid my soul would be blinded if I looked at things with my eyes and tried to grasp them with any of my senses.”
Old Testament: This term also can be used in a literal, figurative, and metaphorical sense. Cursed is the one who misleads a person who is blind on the road (Deu.27:18). I was eyes to those who were blind, and feet to those who could not walk (Job 29:15). The Lord opens the eyes of those who are blind (Psa.146:8). Then the eyes of those who are blind will be opened, and the ears of those who are deaf will be unstopped (Isa.35:5). Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes, and those who are deaf, even though they have ears (Isa.43:8).
New Testament: This term means to blind, to not understand, and to be deprived of sight. Jesus performed many signs, yet many Jews did not believe. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy Isa.6:9-10 that He blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. Isaiah provides an historical perspective of the Jews’ unbelief. Paul states that the gospel is veiled for those unbelievers’ minds which are blinded. Whoever hates his brother walks in darkness and does not know where he is going.”
Scripture:
“He blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted, and I would lead them.” Jn.12:40
This scripture speaks to Isaiah’s prophecy of the Jews’ unbelief.
“In whose case the the god of the ages has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2Cor.4:4
The gospel is veiled to those unbelievers who minds are blinded.
“Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” 1 Jn.2:11
The unbelievers and haters walk in darkness.
Etymology: The Latin verb exacaecare means to make blind, to obscure, and to dull. The cecum (blind intestine) is the pouch at the beginning of the large intestine. The cecum is also called the typhlon.
Conclusion:
Cecum, typhlon, obscurity, obscure, blind
In Greek Hellenism this term often makes metaphorical references to blind men, wealth, and ignorance, and paradoxes. Blindness can be literal or metaphorical.
In the Old Testament, walking in darkness becomes a common metaphorical example.
In the New Testament, God’s providence allows for some to be blinded to the gospel, referring to the Jews’ unbelief. The gospel becomes veiled to those whose minds are blinded. Those who walk in darkness are blinded and have no direction.
It is important to note that Satan can still be very effective without full possession. Satan can work in much more subtle ways by rendering our thoughts dull, distracting us, and keeping us busy, hindering us in our abilities in focusing on God.
In light of this post, stay in the light and have a bright day!