In the Bible, references to eyes being “closed” and “opened” often carry both literal and symbolic meanings, relating to physical sight, spiritual insight, understanding, and revelation. Here are some key ways the Bible uses these terms:
1. Eyes Opened to Spiritual Truth
- Genesis 3:7 – The Fall of Humanity: After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, “the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked.” Here, their eyes being “opened” symbolizes an awakening to knowledge, but also a painful awareness of sin and separation from God. Their eyes were “opened” to moral consequences and shame.
- Luke 24:31 – Disciples on the Road to Emmaus: After Jesus’ resurrection, He walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, but they didn’t recognize Him. Luke 24:31 says, “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” This moment represents spiritual insight—recognizing Jesus not just physically, but also understanding His role as the risen Savior.
2. Eyes Closed to Spiritual Truth
- Isaiah 6:10 – Spiritual Blindness: God tells the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message to Israel, saying, “Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull 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 is a warning against stubbornness and spiritual blindness, as people close their hearts and minds to God.
- Matthew 13:15 – Jesus on Spiritual Blindness: Jesus echoes Isaiah’s message, speaking of people who “close their eyes” to avoid seeing God’s truth. He says, “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.” Spiritual blindness here means resisting God’s message.
3. Eyes Opened to God’s Protection and Presence
- 2 Kings 6:17 – Elisha’s Servant: When the prophet Elisha and his servant were surrounded by an enemy army, Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” God opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire protecting them. This story shows God’s unseen protection, often hidden from physical sight but revealed through spiritual insight.
- Psalm 119:18 – Seeking Understanding: The psalmist prays, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” This prayer seeks not just physical sight but spiritual understanding of God’s Word and its truths.
4. Eyes Closed in Disbelief or Hardened Hearts
- Acts 28:27 – Hardened Hearts: Paul, quoting Isaiah, says of those rejecting the gospel, “For this people’s heart has become calloused…they have closed their eyes.” Here, closed eyes represent a deliberate refusal to understand or accept God’s message of salvation.
5. Eyes Opened by Faith in Jesus
- Healing of Physical and Spiritual Blindness: Jesus frequently healed those who were physically blind, which often symbolized opening their spiritual eyes as well. In John 9:25, the blind man healed by Jesus says, “I was blind but now I see!” His healing reflects not only physical sight but also a newfound faith and spiritual insight.
- Ephesians 1:18 – Enlightenment Through Faith: Paul prays for believers, “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.” Here, opened eyes symbolize understanding God’s purpose, hope, and the riches of faith.
Summary
In the Bible, eyes “opened” symbolize gaining spiritual insight, understanding God’s truth, recognizing His presence, and seeing reality beyond the physical. Conversely, eyes “closed” often represent spiritual blindness, resistance to God’s message, and lack of understanding. Together, these themes remind us of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom, being open to His guidance, and praying for both physical and spiritual clarity in our relationship with Him.