Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H2821 חָשַׁךְ (chashak): To be or grow dark, to darken.
• H5785 עָוַר (avar): To blind, to put out the eyes.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of darkness and blindness, both physically and metaphorically, and are used in the Old Testament to describe spiritual blindness and the absence of divine light.

Usage: The verb σκοτόω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of darkening or blinding, often in a metaphorical sense, referring to spiritual or moral blindness.

Context: The Greek verb σκοτόω appears in the New Testament to convey the concept of darkening or causing blindness, typically in a figurative sense. This term is derived from σκοτός, which means "darkness," and is used to describe a state of spiritual or moral obscurity. In the context of the New Testament, σκοτόω is often associated with the inability to perceive or understand spiritual truths due to a hardened heart or a rejection of divine revelation.

In Romans 1:21, the Apostle Paul uses σκοτόω to describe the condition of those who, despite knowing God, fail to honor Him as God. Their thinking becomes futile, and their foolish hearts are darkened: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts."

This darkening is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a moral and spiritual condition that results from turning away from the truth of God. It highlights the consequences of idolatry and the rejection of God's revelation, leading to a state where individuals are unable to discern or embrace the truth.

The use of σκοτόω underscores the biblical theme of light versus darkness, where light represents truth, righteousness, and the presence of God, while darkness symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. The New Testament frequently contrasts these two states, calling believers to walk in the light and avoid the darkness.