5787. ivver
Lexical Summary
ivver: Blind

Original Word: עֵוֵּר
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: `ivver
Pronunciation: iv-vare'
Phonetic Spelling: (iv-vare')
KJV: blind (men, people)
NASB: blind, blind man, blind men, blindness, who are blind
Word Origin: [intensive from H5786 (עָוַר - blinded)]

1. blind (literally or figuratively)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
blind men, people

Intensive from avar; blind (literally or figuratively) -- blind (men, people).

see HEBREW avar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from avar
Definition
blind
NASB Translation
blind (22), blind man (1), blind men (1), blindness (1), who are blind (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
עִוֵּר adjective blind; — only absolute ׳ע Exodus 4:11 +, plural עִיְרִים 2 Samuel 5:6 +, feminine עִוְרוֺת Isaiah 42:7; (with article הָעִוֵּר Deuteronomy 28:29, elsewhere ׳הַע Baer Ginsb; van d. H. לָעִוֵּר Job 29:15, הָעִוְרִים 2 Samuel 5:6,8; Isaiah 42:18); — blind, usually as substantive = the blind:

1 literally, physically blind:

a. of men Exodus 4:11 (J; opposed to מִּקֵּחַ), 2 Samuel 5:6,8 (twice in verse); Leviticus 19:14 (H), Deuteronomy 27:18; Jeremiah 31:8; Job 29:15; in simile Deuteronomy 28:29; Zephaniah 1:17; Isaiah 59:10, compare Lamentations 4:14 (apposition); as adjective attribute ׳אִישׁ ע Leviticus 21:18 (H).

b. of sacrifice animal Deuteronomy 15:21; Malachi 1:8. 2 figurative,

a. of the helpless, groping Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 42:16; Psalm 146:8; as adjective attribute, עֵינַיִם עִוְרוֺת Isaiah 42:7.

b. of the dull, unreceptive, Isaiah 42:18,19 (3 t. in verse) (but Isaiah 42:19 c read חֵרֵשׁ q. v.); as adjective attributive עַם עִוֵּר Isaiah 43:8; as predicate Isaiah 56:10.

Topical Lexicon
Overview

The Hebrew term rendered “blind” appears about twenty-six times in the Old Testament. While it can denote literal loss of sight, Scripture frequently employs the word figuratively for moral, spiritual, or national dullness. Because both meanings intertwine, each occurrence adds to a multifaceted theology of blindness that touches covenant law, prophetic hope, worship, leadership, and pastoral care.

Physical Blindness and the Creator’s Sovereignty

In His call of Moses the LORD settles the matter of ability and disability: “Who makes a man mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?” (Exodus 4:11). Blindness is never portrayed as fate in a world left to chance; it lies within God’s wise governance. This conviction shapes Israel’s social ethics and worship.

Ethical Protection of the Vulnerable

Blind Israelites receive explicit legal safeguards. “You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God” (Leviticus 19:14). Deuteronomy extends the principle: “Cursed is he who leads a blind man astray on the road” (Deuteronomy 27:18). Concern for the sightless thus becomes a litmus test of covenant fidelity.

Job models the spirit of the law: “I was eyes to the blind” (Job 29:15). His testimony illustrates the righteous use of strength to serve the weak, anticipating Jesus’ ministry of compassion.

Sacrificial Standards and Worship Integrity

Because offerings typify the holiness of God, blemished or disabled animals were barred from the altar: “If it has any defect, if it is lame or blind…you shall not sacrifice it” (Deuteronomy 15:21; cf. Leviticus 22:22). Centuries later Malachi indicts priests who ignore this rule: “When you present blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong?” (Malachi 1:8). The presence of the blind animal exposes the spiritual blindness of the worshiper.

Blindness as Divine Judgment

Covenant curses include sensory darkness: “You will grope at noon as a blind man gropes in the dark” (Deuteronomy 28:29). Isaiah describes watchmen who should discern danger but cannot: “Israel’s watchmen are blind; all of them know nothing” (Isaiah 56:10). Such images expose the devastating consequence of persistent sin—leaders and people alike lose moral and theological perception.

National Taunts and Military Context

When David advanced on Jerusalem, the Jebusites mocked his force: “You will not enter here; even the blind and the lame will repel you” (2 Samuel 5:6). David’s subsequent conquest overturned the taunt, demonstrating that God’s chosen king overcomes every obstacle, literal or symbolic blindness included.

Prophetic Promise of Restoration

In stark contrast to judgment or mockery, the prophets herald a coming age when “the eyes of the blind will see out of darkness and obscurity” (Isaiah 29:18) and “the eyes of the blind will be opened” (Isaiah 35:5). The Servant of the LORD is appointed “to open the eyes that are blind” (Isaiah 42:7) and “lead the blind by a way they did not know” (Isaiah 42:16). Yet Israel herself is chided: “Who is blind but My servant?” (Isaiah 42:19). The paradox underscores the tension between calling and condition; Israel requires the very healing she is meant to mediate.

Messianic Fulfillment and New-Covenant Ministry

The Gospels repeatedly connect these Isaianic promises to Jesus Christ. He proclaims release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind (Luke 4:18), performs literal healings (John 9), and exposes Pharisaic blindness (Matthew 23:16-26). These events confirm that prophetic hope blossoms in the Messiah, who tackles both physical and spiritual darkness.

Pastoral and Missional Implications

1. Compassion: The legal protection of the blind calls believers to proactive care for today’s vulnerable—medical, social, and spiritual.
2. Integrity: Malachi’s rebuke warns against offering God second-rate service; worship must match His holiness.
3. Discernment: Spiritual leaders must resist the drift toward dullness exemplified by blind watchmen. Vigilance in doctrine and practice preserves the flock.
4. Gospel Hope: Every instance of restored sight foreshadows the new creation where “night will be no more” and vision—physical and spiritual—is perfected.

Summary

From covenant law to prophetic vision, blindness functions as a concrete reality, an ethical test, a metaphor of judgment, and a signpost to redemption. Its ultimate resolution lies in the Messianic work of opening eyes, an ongoing ministry entrusted to Christ’s people until faith becomes sight.

Forms and Transliterations
הַ֣עִוְרִ֔ים הַעִוְרִ֤ים הָעִוֵּר֙ העור העורים וְהַעִוְרִ֖ים וְעִוֵּ֖ר והעורים ועור כַּֽעִוְרִ֔ים כַֽעִוְרִים֙ כעורים לַֽעִוֵּ֑ר לעור עִוְר֑וֹת עִוְרִ֑ים עִוְרִ֖ים עִוְרִ֗ים עִוְרִ֤ים עִוְרִים֙ עִוֵּ֑ר עִוֵּ֔ר עִוֵּ֖ר עִוֵּ֣ר עִוֵּ֤ר עִוֵּר֙ עור עורות עורים ‘iw·rîm ‘iw·rō·wṯ ‘iw·wêr ‘iwrîm ‘iwrōwṯ ‘iwwêr chaivRim ha‘iwrîm hā‘iwwêr ha·‘iw·rîm hā·‘iw·wêr haivRim haivVer ivRim ivRot ivVer ka‘iwrîm ḵa‘iwrîm ka·‘iw·rîm ḵa·‘iw·rîm kaivRim la‘iwwêr la·‘iw·wêr laivVer vehaivRim veivVer wə‘iwwêr wə·‘iw·wêr wə·ha·‘iw·rîm wəha‘iwrîm
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Exodus 4:11
HEB: פִקֵּ֖חַ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֑ר הֲלֹ֥א אָנֹכִ֖י
NAS: or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
KJV: or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
INT: seeing or blind men not I

Leviticus 19:14
HEB: חֵרֵ֔שׁ וְלִפְנֵ֣י עִוֵּ֔ר לֹ֥א תִתֵּ֖ן
NAS: before the blind, but you shall revere
KJV: before the blind, but shalt fear
INT: A deaf before the blind nor place

Leviticus 21:18
HEB: יִקְרָ֑ב אִ֤ישׁ עִוֵּר֙ א֣וֹ פִסֵּ֔חַ
NAS: shall approach: a blind man,
KJV: he shall not approach: a blind man,
INT: shall approach man A blind or A lame

Deuteronomy 15:21
HEB: פִּסֵּ֙חַ֙ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֔ר כֹּ֖ל מ֣וּם
NAS: or blindness, [or] any
KJV: therein, [as if it be] lame, or blind, [or have] any ill
INT: lameness or blindness any blemish

Deuteronomy 27:18
HEB: אָר֕וּר מַשְׁגֶּ֥ה עִוֵּ֖ר בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ וְאָמַ֥ר
NAS: is he who misleads a blind [person] on the road.'
KJV: Cursed [be] he that maketh the blind to wander
INT: Cursed misleads A blind of the way shall say

Deuteronomy 28:29
HEB: כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יְמַשֵּׁ֤שׁ הָעִוֵּר֙ בָּאֲפֵלָ֔ה וְלֹ֥א
NAS: at noon, as the blind man gropes
KJV: at noonday, as the blind gropeth
INT: after gropes as the blind darkness and you will not

2 Samuel 5:6
HEB: אִם־ הֱסִֽירְךָ֗ הַעִוְרִ֤ים וְהַפִּסְחִים֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר
NAS: in here, but the blind and lame
KJV: Except thou take away the blind and the lame,
INT: lo will turn the blind halt thinking

2 Samuel 5:8
HEB: הַפִּסְחִים֙ וְאֶת־ הַ֣עִוְרִ֔ים [שְׂנֹאו כ]
NAS: the lame and the blind, who are hated
KJV: and the lame and the blind, [that are] hated
INT: the water the lame and the blind enemy soul

2 Samuel 5:8
HEB: כֵּן֙ יֹֽאמְר֔וּ עִוֵּ֣ר וּפִסֵּ֔חַ לֹ֥א
NAS: they say, The blind or the lame
KJV: [he shall be chief and captain]. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame
INT: after that say the blind the lame shall not

Job 29:15
HEB: עֵינַ֣יִם הָ֭יִיתִי לַֽעִוֵּ֑ר וְרַגְלַ֖יִם לַפִּסֵּ֣חַ
NAS: I was eyes to the blind And feet
KJV: I was eyes to the blind, and feet
INT: was eyes become to the blind and feet to the lame

Psalm 146:8
HEB: יְהוָ֤ה ׀ פֹּ֘קֵ֤חַ עִוְרִ֗ים יְ֭הוָה זֹקֵ֣ף
NAS: opens [the eyes of] the blind; The LORD
KJV: openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD
INT: the LORD opens the blind the LORD raises

Isaiah 29:18
HEB: וּמֵחֹ֔שֶׁךְ עֵינֵ֥י עִוְרִ֖ים תִּרְאֶֽינָה׃
NAS: the eyes of the blind will see.
KJV: and the eyes of the blind shall see
INT: and darkness the eyes of the blind will see

Isaiah 35:5
HEB: תִּפָּקַ֖חְנָה עֵינֵ֣י עִוְרִ֑ים וְאָזְנֵ֥י חֵרְשִׁ֖ים
NAS: the eyes of the blind will be opened
KJV: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
INT: will be opened the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf

Isaiah 42:7
HEB: לִפְקֹ֖חַ עֵינַ֣יִם עִוְר֑וֹת לְהוֹצִ֤יא מִמַּסְגֵּר֙
NAS: To open blind eyes, To bring
KJV: To open the blind eyes, to bring out
INT: to open eyes blind to bring the dungeon

Isaiah 42:16
HEB: וְהוֹלַכְתִּ֣י עִוְרִ֗ים בְּדֶ֙רֶךְ֙ לֹ֣א
NAS: I will lead the blind by a way
KJV: And I will bring the blind by a way
INT: will lead the blind A way not

Isaiah 42:18
HEB: הַחֵרְשִׁ֖ים שְׁמָ֑עוּ וְהַעִוְרִ֖ים הַבִּ֥יטוּ לִרְאֽוֹת׃
NAS: And look, you blind, that you may see.
KJV: and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
INT: deaf Hear blind and look you may see

Isaiah 42:19
HEB: מִ֤י עִוֵּר֙ כִּ֣י אִם־
NAS: Who is blind but My servant,
KJV: Who [is] blind, but my servant?
INT: Who is blind for but

Isaiah 42:19
HEB: אֶשְׁלָ֑ח מִ֤י עִוֵּר֙ כִּמְשֻׁלָּ֔ם וְעִוֵּ֖ר
NAS: Who is so blind as he that is at peace
KJV: [that] I sent? who [is] blind as [he that is] perfect,
INT: sent Who blind peace blind

Isaiah 42:19
HEB: עִוֵּר֙ כִּמְשֻׁלָּ֔ם וְעִוֵּ֖ר כְּעֶ֥בֶד יְהוָֽה׃
NAS: as he that is at peace [with Me], Or so blind as the servant
KJV: as [he that is] perfect, and blind as the LORD'S
INT: blind peace blind as the servant as the LORD'S

Isaiah 43:8
HEB: הוֹצִ֥יא עַם־ עִוֵּ֖ר וְעֵינַ֣יִם יֵ֑שׁ
NAS: out the people who are blind, even though they have
KJV: Bring forth the blind people
INT: Bring the people who eyes have

Isaiah 56:10
HEB: (צֹפָ֞יו ק) עִוְרִ֤ים כֻּלָּם֙ לֹ֣א
NAS: His watchmen are blind, All
KJV: His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant,
INT: behold are blind All nothing

Isaiah 59:10
HEB: נְגַֽשְׁשָׁ֤ה כַֽעִוְרִים֙ קִ֔יר וּכְאֵ֥ין
NAS: along the wall like blind men, We grope
KJV: for the wall like the blind, and we grope
INT: grope blind the wall have

Jeremiah 31:8
HEB: אָרֶץ֒ בָּ֚ם עִוֵּ֣ר וּפִסֵּ֔חַ הָרָ֥ה
NAS: of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame,
KJV: of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame,
INT: the remote of the earth the blind and the lame the woman

Lamentations 4:14
HEB: נָע֤וּ עִוְרִים֙ בַּֽחוּצ֔וֹת נְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ
NAS: They wandered, blind, in the streets;
KJV: They have wandered [as] blind [men] in the streets,
INT: wandered blind the streets were defiled

Zephaniah 1:17
HEB: לָאָדָ֗ם וְהָֽלְכוּ֙ כַּֽעִוְרִ֔ים כִּ֥י לַֽיהוָ֖ה
NAS: So that they will walk like the blind, Because
KJV: that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned
INT: men will walk the blind Because the LORD

26 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5787
26 Occurrences


ḵa·‘iw·rîm — 1 Occ.
ha·‘iw·rîm — 2 Occ.
hā·‘iw·wêr — 1 Occ.
‘iw·rîm — 6 Occ.
‘iw·rō·wṯ — 1 Occ.
‘iw·wêr — 11 Occ.
ka·‘iw·rîm — 1 Occ.
la·‘iw·wêr — 1 Occ.
wə·ha·‘iw·rîm — 1 Occ.
wə·‘iw·wêr — 1 Occ.

5786
Top of Page
Top of Page