[Greek] τυφλός (typhlos), [Latin] caecus, [German] blind

[Greek] τυφλός (typhlos), [Latin] caecus, [German] blind: blind, not able to understand, short-sighted, opaque; 53 scriptural references

The Blind Leading the Blind: painting by Danish Renaissance painter Peter Bruegel (1568).

Background information:

The blind leading the blind:

1. This painting reflects Bruegel’s mastery of observation. This painting is based on Mt.15:14: the blind leading the blind.
2. Each figure has a different eye affliction. The hold their heads aloft to make better use of their other senses.
3. The first blind man falls into a pit. This leader of the group has fallen on his back into a ditch.
4. Because they are linked by their staffs, he seems to drag his companions down with him.
5. They pass along a path bordered by a river on one side and a village with a church on the other.
6. St. Anna’s Church, built around 1250, is depicted in the painting.

Greek Hellenism: This term means blind (unable to see), who walks away, blind to the future, intestines (caecum), blind alley (cul-de-sac), in the dark, inescapable, spiritual blindness, and choked with mud.

1. Man, wealth, power, ignorance, and pride all can be potential sources (causes) of blindness.
2. The blind man is often associated with comparisons and proverbial expressions.
3. Such proverbial expressions include ‘the blind leading the blind’ and ‘ignorance is likened to a blind man walking in the dark’.
4. Spiritual blindness is often juxtaposed with physical sight.
5. Physical blindness is often juxtaposed with intellectual understanding.
6. Gnosticism make references to those unable to receive gnosis as spiritually blind.

Old Testament: This term means blindness and to make blind (literally, figuratively, and metaphorically).

1. Blindness was a very severe handicap in Israel. The blind were specially protected by the laws of Israel.
2. It was implied that one, who misleads a blind mean, is to be cursed.
3. Spiritual blindness is not necessarily tied to physical blindness.
4. God sometimes uses blindness as a punishment for sin.
5. Old testament prophets make metaphorical and figurative references to blindness regarding judgment and salvation.
6. The curing of blindness is an important theme of eschatological hope. Blind watchers are without knowledge.
7. God Himself will be a guide on the way for those who seek to see.

New Testament: This term essentially means to be blind and not be able to understand. Examples include literal blindness, inability (or refusal) to believe, blindness by God’s providence, blindness through God’s punishment, Gentiles, and spiritual blindness. The scribes and Pharisees are seen as blind fools refusing (or unwilling) to believe. A blind man was healed so that the works of God might be visible to all. A Jewish false prophet was made blind by God. The Jews viewed the Gentiles as the blind (in the darkness). Those who lack the virtues (and gifts),