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עִוֵּר

𐤏𐤅𐤓

ʻivvêr

H5787 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root עור to blind, to become blind, to lose perception

Definition

An individual who is blind, lacking sight, whether literally (physically unable to see) or, in some contexts, metaphorically (lacking perception or understanding). Used as an adjective and sometimes as a substantive, referring to a blind person. The term can also denote collective groups ('the blind') or stand figuratively for those unaware, ignorant, or morally unperceptive in context. The word may convey intensity or completeness of blindness, distinguishing it from less emphatic forms.

Semantic Range

blind (physical state), blind person, lacking sight, metaphorically unperceptive, lacking understanding, spiritually or morally unaware, group of blind people

Root / Etymology

The word עִוֵּר ('ivvêr) derives from the root ע-ו-ר (עָוַר), which carries the core meaning 'to be blind, to become blind.' The form עִוֵּר is the intensive (Piel) stem, expressing a state or condition of blindness, not merely the action of becoming blind. As such, it functions as an adjective meaning 'blind' or as a substantive denoting 'a blind person.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, עִוֵּר is used both for individuals who are physically blind and, metaphorically, for those lacking spiritual or moral perception (see, e.g., Isaiah 42:18-19). The word appears in legal, narrative, and prophetic contexts. For example, Israelite legal tradition (e.g., Leviticus 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:18) provides specific protections for the blind, displaying societal awareness of physical impairment and its implications. In prophetic literature, 'the blind' may refer to those insensitive to YHWH's will or revelation, or those ignorant despite having the capacity to perceive. English translations commonly render עִוֵּר as 'blind,' but frequently do not distinguish between literal and metaphorical usages. The word is also used in formulations such as עִוֵּר וּפִסֵּחַ ('the blind and the lame'), a conventional pairing in several texts. There is no evidence that the term was used for ethnically marked identities or later developments related to religious communities. The use of 'blind' for metaphorical lack of perception is widespread across prophetic, wisdom, and apocalyptic texts in the exilic and post-exilic periods, indicating development beyond mere physical description.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

intensive from עָוַר; blind (literally or figuratively); blind (men, people).

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עור (ʿ-w-r) — to blind, to become blind, to lose perception

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H216 אוֹר in the skin
H219 אוֹרָה skins of
H4589 מָעוֹר their exposed genitals
H5782 עוּר Let me rouse up
H5783 עוּר she will be roused

Word Forms

10 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5787-03 עִוֵּ֑ר iver HAamsa blind blind man 11
H5787-04 עִוְרִ֖ים iverim HAampa the blind blind men 6
H5787-02 הַ/עִוְרִ֤ים haiverim HTd/Aampa the blind the ones from beyond 2
H5787-05 עִוְר֑וֹת iverot HAafpa blind blind ones 1
H5787-08 לַֽ/עִוֵּ֑ר laiver HRd/Aamsa to the blind to the blind one 1
H5787-10 וְ/עִוֵּ֖ר veiver HC/Aamsa and blind blind man 1
H5787-06 כַּֽ/עִוְרִ֔ים kaiverim HRd/Aampa like-the-blind like blind men 1
H5787-01 הָ/עִוֵּר֙ haiver HTd/Aamsa the blind man the blind one 1
H5787-09 וְ/הַ/עִוְרִ֖ים vehaiverim HC/Td/Aampa and you blind ones and the blind ones 1
H5787-07 כַֽ/עִוְרִים֙ khaiverim HRd/Aampa like blind men blind ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

26 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5787-03 Exodus 4:11 עִוֵּ֑ר iver HAamsa blind blind man
H5787-03 Leviticus 19:14 עִוֵּ֔ר iver HAamsa the blind blind man
H5787-03 Leviticus 21:18 עִוֵּר֙ iver HAamsa blind blind man
H5787-03 Deuteronomy 15:21 עִוֵּ֔ר iver HAamsa blind blind man
H5787-03 Deuteronomy 27:18 עִוֵּ֖ר iver HAamsa a blind person blind man
H5787-01 Deuteronomy 28:29 הָ/עִוֵּר֙ haiver HTd/Aamsa the blind man the blind one
H5787-02 2 Samuel 5:6 הַ/עִוְרִ֤ים haiverim HTd/Aampa the blind the ones from beyond
H5787-02 2 Samuel 5:8 הַ֣/עִוְרִ֔ים haiverim HTd/Aampa the-blind the ones from beyond
H5787-03 2 Samuel 5:8 עִוֵּ֣ר iver HAamsa blind blind man
H5787-04 Isaiah 29:18 עִוְרִ֖ים iverim HAampa the blind blind men
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