Blind
Blind beggars are frequently mentioned (Matt. 9:27; 12:22; 20:30; John 5:3). The blind are to be treated with compassion (Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18). Blindness was sometimes a punishment for disobedience (1 Sam. 11:2; Jer. 39:7), sometimes the effect of old age (Gen. 27:1; 1 Kings 14:4; 1 Sam. 4:15). Conquerors sometimes blinded their captives (2 Kings 25:7; 1 Sam. 11:2). Blindness denotes ignorance as to spiritual things (Isa. 6:10; 42:18, 19; Matt. 15:14; Eph. 4:18). The opening of the eyes of the blind is peculiar to the Messiah (Isa. 29:18). Elymas was smitten with blindness at Paul's word (Acts 13:11).
Passages cited in this entry
Matthew 9:27 · John 5:3 · Leviticus 19:14 · Deuteronomy 27:18 · 1 Samuel 11:2 · Jeremiah 39:7 · Genesis 27:1 · 1 Kings 14:4 · 1 Samuel 4:15 · 2 Kings 25:7 · Isaiah 6:10 · Matthew 15:14 · Ephesians 4:18 · Isaiah 29:18 · Acts 13:11
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 3rd edition (1897). Public domain; text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library. A nineteenth-century Protestant reference: its dates, archaeology and judgements reflect the scholarship of its time and are not Imago Dei's editorial position.