Definition: He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 12:40. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about Jesus’ plan for his sacrifice. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is saying that He wants to heal people who are already closed off to His message – those who are stubborn, unwilling to see the truth, and haven’t truly received it. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He hath blinded their eyes” : This refers to the people of Israel at that time, especially during the period of Moses’ law. They were so focused on following rules and traditions that they didn't really understand God’s love or the purpose of His plan for them. They were blinded by tradition and maybe even fear. “And hardened their heart” : This means they became resistant to anything new, anything that challenged their beliefs. They were closed off to any possibility of change or understanding. “That they should not see with [their] eyes” : This is the key part. Jesus says he wants to restore their vision. It’s like turning a switch – He's going to show them something new, a deeper truth that they can’t currently perceive. “Nor understand with [their] heart” : This means they didn't have the ability to grasp the profound meaning of what Jesus is offering. They were too focused on their own limited perspectives. “And be converted, and I should heal them” : This is the ultimate goal. When Jesus heals people, it’s because He has brought them back to a state of genuine faith and understanding. It means they will convert , meaning change their minds and hearts, and ultimately receive His healing – both physical and spiritual. In short: Jesus wants to show people who are closed off to Him the truth, allowing them to see it, understand it, and ultimately be healed. Think of it like this analogy: Imagine someone who’s been living in a dark room. Jesus is shining a light on that room – revealing a new perspective and helping them realize they need to change their way of seeing things. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse further? Give you an example of how this could apply in modern life?