Romans 11:10
Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὶ
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὶ
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
3 of 13
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Psalms 69:23Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.2 Peter 2:4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;Romans 11:8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.Romans 1:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Historical Context
The imagery of a 'bent back' would resonate with Roman readers familiar with conquered peoples bearing burdens of slavery. Ironically, Israel—called to be a kingdom of priests—bears the burden of judicial hardening for rejecting their King. Yet this is not the end of their story.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual blindness lead to spiritual bondage, and what does this teach about the progressive nature of rejecting truth?
- What hope is implied by Paul quoting this 'permanent' judgment in a context where he will argue for Israel's future restoration?
- How do we avoid the hardening that comes from misusing spiritual privileges?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see—skotisthētōsan (σκοτισθήτωσαν) is an aorist passive imperative, expressing David's prayer for judicial blinding. The continuation of Psalm 69:23 adds: and bow down their back alway (synkampson dia pantos, σύγκαμψον διὰ παντός). This depicts permanent subjugation, a bent back that cannot straighten—a posture of burden and bondage.
The imagery is powerful: spiritual blindness leads to perpetual slavery. Those who reject truth become enslaved to error. Yet Paul's use of this text is not to declare Israel's permanent rejection but to explain their temporary hardening (v. 25). The phrase "alway" (dia pantos) seems permanent, but Paul will reinterpret this in light of Israel's future restoration (vv. 26-27). The judicial hardening is real but not final.