Dull-witted
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The term "dull-witted" refers to a lack of sharpness or quickness in understanding or perception. In a biblical context, it often describes individuals who are slow to grasp spiritual truths or divine wisdom. The Bible frequently addresses the condition of being dull-witted, particularly in relation to spiritual discernment and responsiveness to God's Word.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of being dull-witted is often associated with a lack of understanding of God's laws and commandments. The Israelites, at various points in their history, are depicted as being slow to comprehend God's will. For example, in Isaiah 6:9-10, the prophet is instructed to tell the people: "Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed."

This passage highlights the spiritual dullness that can result from persistent disobedience and rebellion against God. The dullness is not merely intellectual but is deeply rooted in the heart's resistance to divine truth.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently encounters dull-wittedness among His disciples and the crowds. In Mark 8:17-18, Jesus rebukes His disciples for their lack of understanding: "Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them, 'Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?'"

This passage underscores the spiritual dullness that can afflict even those closest to Jesus. Despite witnessing His miracles and teachings, the disciples often struggled to fully grasp His identity and mission.

The Apostle Paul also addresses spiritual dullness in his epistles. In Hebrews 5:11-12, he writes: "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!"

Paul's admonition highlights the expectation for believers to grow in spiritual maturity and understanding. Dull-wittedness, in this context, is a failure to progress in the knowledge and application of God's Word.

Spiritual Implications

From a biblical perspective, dull-wittedness is not merely a cognitive issue but a spiritual condition that can hinder one's relationship with God. It is often linked to a hardened heart, resistance to the Holy Spirit, and a lack of faith. The remedy for spiritual dullness is a renewed commitment to seeking God, studying His Word, and being open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible encourages believers to cultivate wisdom and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 4:7: "Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." This pursuit of wisdom is not only intellectual but deeply spiritual, requiring humility, prayer, and a willingness to be taught by God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(a.) Stupid.
Library

Rom. I. 1, 2
... For you are not to learn everything from me, but to take pains yourselves
also and enquire further, lest ye become more dull-witted. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily i rom i 1.htm

Book ii Then for a While She Held Her Peace. ...
... Are you trying to stay the force of her turning wheel? Ah! dull-witted mortal,
if Fortune begin to stay still, she is no longer Fortune. ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book ii then for a.htm

The Exile Continued.
... 21:13.) Israelitish quickness gets the better of Philistine stupidity, as it had
been used to do from Sampson's time onwards, and the dull-witted king falls ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ...
... On this particular night when Papa Patoux returned to the bosom of his family, he,
though a dull-witted man generally, did not fail to note the dove-like ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ii lovely to a poet.htm

Ninth Tractate. Against those that Affirm the Creator of the ...
... in the world of sense " this vast orderliness, the Form which the stars even in
their remoteness display " no one could be so dull-witted, so immoveable ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/ninth tractate against those that.htm

Thesaurus
Dull-witted (1 Occurrence)
Dull-witted. Dullness, Dull-witted. Duly . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)
Stupid. Multi-Version Concordance Dull-witted (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/dull-witted.htm - 6k

Duly (2 Occurrences)

/d/duly.htm - 7k

Dullness (1 Occurrence)

/d/dullness.htm - 6k

Minds (137 Occurrences)
... minds, (BBE). Luke 24:25 "O dull-witted men," He replied, "with minds so slow
to believe all that the Prophets have spoken! (WEY). Luke ...
/m/minds.htm - 36k

Resources
Is it wrong for a woman to get an epidural and/or other pain relievers during childbirth? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus teach in parables? | GotQuestions.org

What are the causes and solutions for a hardened heart? | GotQuestions.org

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