5575. sanverim

Lexicon

sanverim: Blindness, confusion

Original Word: סַנְוֵר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: canver
Pronunciation: san-vay-REEM
Phonetic Spelling: (san-vare')
Definition: Blindness, confusion
Meaning: blindness

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

blindness

Of uncertain derivation; (in plural) blindness -- blindness.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
sudden blindness
NASB Translation
blindness (3).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

סַנְוֵרִים noun [masculine]

plural intensive or

abstract (Sta^{§ 324 b}) sudden blindness (etymology dubious; derivation from נוּר highly improbable, whether antiphrase Wetzst^{De Psalm 4, 886} Kö^{ii. 1, 404}, or from dazzling, compare 'flimmern' Hoffm^{ZAW ii (1882), 68}; but also view of Hal^{RŠJ xi. 66 derivatives} from √ סנר cover with a skin, i.e. produce film over, lacks demonstration; at present we must be content with assuming quadriliteral √, Thes Sta^{§ 243}); — ׳הִכּוּ בַּסּ Genesis 19:11 (J) they smote the men with sudden blindness, compare 2 Kings 6:18; 2 Kings 2:18 (all cases miraculous, and in Kings temporary).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root סָנַר (sanar), which is not used in the Hebrew Bible but is understood to mean "to blind" or "to cause blindness."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 5185 (τυφλός, typhlos): This Greek term is used in the New Testament to denote physical blindness, as well as metaphorical blindness to spiritual truths. It corresponds to the Hebrew concept of blindness as both a physical condition and a symbol of spiritual ignorance or judgment.

Usage: The term סַנְוֵר (sanver) is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a state of physical blindness or a metaphorical lack of perception or understanding.

Context: • Occurrences in the Hebrew Bible: The word סַנְוֵר (sanver) appears in the context of divine judgment or miraculous intervention, where blindness is inflicted as a form of punishment or as a means to protect God's people. It is notably used in Genesis 19:11, where the men of Sodom are struck with blindness to prevent them from harming Lot and his guests: "And they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, both young and old, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door" (BSB).
• Theological Implications: In the biblical narrative, blindness often symbolizes a lack of spiritual insight or understanding. It serves as a metaphor for those who are unable to perceive God's truth or who are resistant to His will. The infliction of blindness can be seen as a divine act that underscores the power and sovereignty of God, as well as His ability to protect and deliver His people.
• Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, physical blindness was a significant disability, often associated with vulnerability and dependence. The miraculous imposition of blindness in biblical stories highlights the intervention of the divine in human affairs, demonstrating God's control over both physical and spiritual realms.

Forms and Transliterations

בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֑ים בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֔ים בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֖ים בסנורים bas·san·wê·rîm bassanveRim bassanwêrîm

Englishman's Concordance

Genesis 19:11
HEB: הַבַּ֗יִת הִכּוּ֙ בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֔ים מִקָּטֹ֖ן וְעַד־
NAS: of the house with blindness, both
KJV: of the house with blindness, both small
INT: of the house struck blindness small against

2 Kings 6:18
HEB: הַגּוֹי־ הַזֶּ֖ה בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֑ים וַיַּכֵּ֥ם בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֖ים
NAS: people with blindness, I pray.
KJV: this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote
INT: people this blindness struck blindness

2 Kings 6:18
HEB: בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֑ים וַיַּכֵּ֥ם בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֖ים כִּדְבַ֥ר אֱלִישָֽׁע׃
NAS: So He struck them with blindness according to the word
KJV: And he smote them with blindness according to the word
INT: blindness struck blindness to the word of Elisha

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5575
3 Occurrences

bas·san·wê·rîm — 3 Occ.