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τυφλός

typhlós

G5185 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root τυφλ- to be blind, to lack perception, to be clouded

Definition

Primarily denotes lacking physical sight, i.e., unable to see (blind). In extended and metaphorical usage, it can refer to lacking perception, discernment, or insight (mentally or spiritually 'blind'). The term is most often used of those physically blind but is also applied metaphorically to those insensitive or unresponsive to moral, spiritual, or intellectual realities.

Semantic Range

physically blind, unable to see; mentally or spiritually lacking insight or perception; insensitive; unresponsive; figuratively closed to understanding or truth

Root / Etymology

From the root τυφλ-, connected with τυφόω ('to make smoke' or 'to blind'), perhaps related to an original notion of being 'smoky' or 'clouded in vision.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, τυφλός is used primarily for those who are physically unable to see, but already in early literature it could carry the meaning of lack of understanding or insight. In the Septuagint, τυφλός appears often in legal and narrative contexts to describe the physically sightless, paralleling the Hebrew עִוֵּר (ivver). In the New Testament, while it most frequently designates those who cannot see, it also acquires a figurative sense—especially in discussions about perception, understanding, or stubbornness (e.g., Matthew 15:14; John 9). In some idiomatic expressions, it denotes a lack of spiritual or moral insight (e.g., 'blind guides'). English translations render the term as 'blind,' which in context may miss the layered figurative meaning present in some passages. The metaphorical extension is already present in Hellenistic Greek, where 'typhlos' can signal insensitivity or ignorance. In contrast to related Greek terms for mental lack (e.g., ἀσύνετος, 'unintelligent'), τυφλός specifically evokes a sensory or perceptual incapacity, literal or figurative.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from, τυφόω; opaque (as if smoky), i.e. (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally):--blind.

Root Family

τυφλός (typhlos) — blind, lacking perception, clouded vision

Word Forms

8 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5185-06 τυφλὸς tuphlos ADJ.S NOM M SG blind blind man 15
G5185-03 τυφλοὶ tuphloi ADJ.S NOM M PL blind blind ones 14
G5185-05 τυφλὸν tuphlon ADJ.S ACC M SG blind blind man 9
G5185-08 τυφλούς tuphlous ADJ.S ACC M PL blind blind ones 4
G5185-07 τυφλοῦ tuphlou ADJ.S GEN M SG blind of a blind one 3
G5185-04 τυφλοῖς tuphlois ADJ.S DAT M PL blind to blind ones 2
G5185-01 τυφλέ tuphle ADJ.A VOC M SG Blind one 1
G5185-02 τυφλῷ tuphlo ADJ.S DAT M SG blind man to a blind man 1

Occurrences in Scripture

49 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5185-03 Matthew 9:27 τυφλοὶ tuphloi ADJ.S NOM M PL blind ones
G5185-03 Matthew 9:28 τυφλοί tuphloi ADJ.S NOM M PL blind ones
G5185-03 Matthew 11:5 τυφλοὶ tuphloi ADJ.S NOM M PL blind ones
G5185-06 Matthew 12:22 τυφλὸς tuphlos ADJ.S NOM M SG blind man
G5185-03 Matthew 15:14 τυφλοί tuphloi ADJ.A NOM M PL blind ones
G5185-06 Matthew 15:14 τυφλὸς tuphlos ADJ.S NOM M SG blind man
G5185-05 Matthew 15:14 τυφλὸν tuphlon ADJ.S ACC M SG blind man
G5185-08 Matthew 15:30 τυφλούς tuphlous ADJ.S ACC M PL blind ones
G5185-08 Matthew 15:31 τυφλοὺς tuphlous ADJ.S ACC M PL blind ones
G5185-03 Matthew 20:30 τυφλοὶ tuphloi ADJ.S NOM M PL blind ones
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