Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the concept of a blindfold is not frequently mentioned, but it carries significant symbolic meaning when it does appear. The act of blindfolding is often associated with mockery, judgment, and the concealment of truth. It serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual blindness and the inability to perceive divine truth.
Mockery of JesusOne of the most notable instances of blindfolding in the Bible occurs during the trial and suffering of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is blindfolded by His captors as part of their mockery and abuse.
Luke 22:64 states, "They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, 'Prophesy! Who hit You?'" This act of blindfolding was intended to ridicule Jesus' prophetic authority and to humiliate Him. It symbolizes the spiritual blindness of those who fail to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.
Symbolism of Spiritual BlindnessThe blindfold serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness throughout Scripture. Spiritual blindness is the inability to see or understand the truth of God's Word and His purposes. In
2 Corinthians 4:4 , the apostle Paul writes, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This passage highlights the spiritual condition of those who are unable to perceive the truth of the gospel due to the influence of Satan and the fallen world.
Judgment and DeceptionBlindfolding can also be associated with judgment and deception. In the context of judgment, it represents the inability to discern right from wrong or to see the consequences of one's actions. In
Isaiah 29:10 , the prophet speaks of a spiritual stupor that God has placed upon the people: "For the LORD has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep; He has shut your eyes, the prophets; He has covered your heads, the seers." This imagery conveys the idea of divine judgment resulting in spiritual blindness and a lack of discernment.
Application in Christian LifeFor believers, the concept of a blindfold serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of spiritual blindness and the importance of seeking God's truth. Christians are called to live in the light of Christ, who removes spiritual blindfolds and reveals the truth.
Ephesians 1:18 encourages believers with the prayer, "I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints."
In summary, while the physical act of blindfolding is mentioned sparingly in the Bible, its symbolic implications are profound. It serves as a representation of mockery, spiritual blindness, judgment, and the need for divine revelation. Through Christ, believers are called to remove the blindfolds of spiritual ignorance and to walk in the light of His truth.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To cover the eyes of, as with a bandage; to hinder from seeing.
2. (a.) Having the eyes covered; blinded; having the mental eye darkened. Hence: Heedless; reckless; as, blindfold zeal; blindfold fury.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BLINDFOLDblind'-fold (perikalupto): A sport common among the children of ancient times, in which the blindfolded were struck on the cheek, then asked who had struck them, and not let go until they had correctly guessed. This treatment was accorded Christ by his persecutors (Luke 22:64).
Greek
4028. perikalupto -- to cover around... perikalupto Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-kal-oop'-to) Short Definition: I cover up
Definition: I cover up, cover round about, veil round,
blindfold.
...Library
How Important and Necessary it Is, to the Interiour Soul, to...
... Peace. CHAP. V. How important and necessary it is, to the interiour Soul,
to sufferblindfold this first and Spiritual Martyrdom. 34....
The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the...
... It was Satan's stratagem, that beingblindfold, they might follow him the more boldly;
but then he will uncover their eyes, and they shall see where they are....
John Smith, Platonist --"An Interpreter of the Spirit"
... of true Christian Vertue of so poized and even a life that by his Wisdom and Conscience
one might live almost at a venture, walkingblindfold through the world...
The Purport of Ancient Scholia, and Notes in Mss. On the Subject...
... MSS. in particular,"and referring generally to "about twenty-five others."
Dr. Davidson adopts every word of thisblindfold. 1...
The Purport of Ancient Scholia, and Notes in Mss. On the Subject...
... MSS. in particular,"and referring generally to "about twenty-five others."
Dr. Davidson adopts every word of thisblindfold. 1...
To Each one his Work
... nature that work is pleasure. See to make it voluntary and not compulsory.
Do not lead the boysblindfold. Show them why they have...
Agree with Thine Adversary
... yourselves discern what is right, and have lost conscience, and the everlasting
distinction between right and wrong, so long are you walkingblindfold to ruin....
But Here Stupidity Has Proceeded to Such a Length as to Give a...
... Footnotes: [9] Erasmus, though stumbling and walkingblindfold in clear light, ventures
to write thus in a letter to Sadolet, 1530: "Primum, constat nullum...
The Session of Jesus in his Incarnate Nature at the Right Hand of...
... himself, who in very deed would have to be charged with extreme indiscretion, if
he had so abruptly, as some will have it, and as they say,blindfold, and so...
Treats of the Same.
... thee? O blessed Soul, believe no more, believe not; subject thy self with
true submission and followblindfold this Obedience. 91....
Thesaurus
Blindfold (1 Occurrence)... 2. (a.) Having the eyes covered; blinded; having the mental eye darkened. Hence:
Heedless; reckless; as,
blindfold zeal;
blindfold fury. Int.
...BLINDFOLD.
...Thereupon (22 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and toblindfold Him, while
striking Him with their fists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Prove (83 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and toblindfold Him, while striking
Him with their fists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Blindfolded (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofBlindfold. Multi-Version Concordance
Blindfolded (2 Occurrences). Mark 14:65 Some began...
Blindeth (2 Occurrences)
Striking (25 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and toblindfold Him, while striking
Him with their fists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Crying (247 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and toblindfold Him, while striking
Him with their fists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Charge (379 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and toblindfold Him, while striking
Him with their fists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Open (586 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and toblindfold Him, while striking
Him with their fists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Prophet (315 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and toblindfold Him, while striking
Him with their fists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Resources
Is there any conclusive proof of God? | GotQuestions.orgBlindfold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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