Blindness, spiritual

Unbelievers are spiritually blind

1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

See also Pr 4:19; Ps 32:9; Ps 92:6–7

The blindness both of idols and those who worship them:

Is 44:9; Is 44:18–19

Eze 12:2; Mic 4:12

Jesus Christ speaks in parables because of the spiritual dullness of the people:

Mt 13:13–15; Lk 8:10; Is 6:9–10

Mt 15:16; Lk 24:25; Jn 1:5; Jn 9:40–41 the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees; Ro 3:11; 1 Co 14:23; 1 Co 14:24

Spiritual blindness is a result of sin

La 4:14; Zep 1:17; 2 Co 4:4

See also Lk 18:34; Eph 4:17–19; Jn 3:19–20; Mk 9:32; Jn 12:39–40

The consequences of spiritual blindness

Romans 1:18–23 ESV

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

See also 2 Co 4:4; Is 6:9–10; 1 Jn 1:6; Mt 6:23; Ps 82:5; Dt 28:28–29 lack of success, oppression and robbery; Is 42:25 the violence of war; Is 59:10; La 4:14; Ac 28:26–27

Hatred and darkness:

1 Jn 2:9; 1 Jn 2:11

The removal of spiritual blindness

2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

See also Is 61:1; Ps 119:130; Nu 24:4; Lk 24:31; Jn 9:39; Lk 4:18; Ac 26:18; 1 Pe 2:9; Eph 5:8; Eph 1:18; 2 Ki 6:17 Elisha asks the Lord to open his servant’s eyes; Ps 119:18; Ps 146:8; Is 32:3; Is 35:5; Is 42:16–18; Jn 3:3 No-one can see the kingdom of God without being born again; Jn 8:12 Jesus Christ is the light of the world; 2 Co 3:16

The spiritual blindness of Israel

Isaiah 1:3 ESV

The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”

See also Je 4:22; Is 29:10; 2 Co 3:14–15; Dt 29:4; Dt 32:28; Je 5:21; Mic 4:12; Ro 11:7–8; Ro 11:25

The spiritual blindness of leaders

Matthew 15:14 ESV

Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

See also Jn 3:10; Jn 8:27; Is 29:9–12; Is 56:10; Mt 23:16–19; Mt 23:24–26; Lk 6:39; Jn 9:40–41; Jn 10:6; Ro 2:19–21; 2 Pe 2:12

The spiritual blindness of believers

John 14:9 ESV

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

See also Jn 12:16; Lk 2:50; 2 Pe 1:9; Lk 24:25; Job 42:3; Da 12:8; Mt 15:16; Mt 16:9; Lk 9:45

The spiritual blindness of a church

Revelation 3:17–18 ESV

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.