Original Word: סַנְוֵר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: canver
Pronunciation: san-vay-REEM
Phonetic Spelling: (san-vare')
KJV: blindness
NASB: blindness
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. (in plural) blindness

blindness

Of uncertain derivation; (in plural) blindness -- blindness.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
sudden blindness
NASB Translation
blindness (3).

סַנְוֵרִים noun [masculine]

plural intensive or

abstract (Sta^{§ 324 b}) sudden blindness (etymology dubious; derivation from נוּר highly improbable, whether antiphrase Wetzst^{De Psalm 4, 886} Kö^{ii. 1, 404}, or from dazzling, compare 'flimmern' Hoffm^{ZAW ii (1882), 68}; but also view of Hal^{RŠJ xi. 66 derivatives} from √ סנר cover with a skin, i.e. produce film over, lacks demonstration; at present we must be content with assuming quadriliteral √, Thes Sta^{§ 243}); — ׳הִכּוּ בַּסּ Genesis 19:11 (J) they smote the men with sudden blindness, compare 2 Kings 6:18; 2 Kings 2:18 (all cases miraculous, and in Kings temporary).

Definition and Scope

סַנְוֵר (sanwer) designates a divinely induced blinding—often accompanied by dazzling light and inner confusion—that prevents hostile individuals from perceiving what is right before them. The emphasis lies less on a medical condition and more on God’s decisive intervention in critical redemptive moments.

Occurrence and Context

1. Genesis 19:11 introduces the term when the two angels “struck the men who were at the entrance of the house, both young and old, with blindness, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway”. The blinding both protects Lot’s household and signals impending judgment on Sodom.

2–3. 2 Kings 6:18 records Elisha’s prayer, “Please strike this people with blindness.” The Lord answers, covering the Aramean army with the same incapacitating daze, allowing the prophet to lead them captive to Samaria. The verse repeats the noun for emphasis.

Historical Observations

• In patriarchal times (Genesis 19) and in the divided monarchy (2 Kings 6), סַנְוֵר appears during crises in which God’s covenant people or their representatives face overwhelming hostility.
• Each episode displays supernatural protection without human violence—angels at Lot’s door and a prophet’s intercession on Israel’s border.
• The Sodom narrative sets a pattern of judgment mingled with mercy: while aggressors are blinded, the righteous are delivered. Elisha’s incident heightens the theme by turning enemies into guests at a peace feast (2 Kings 6:22–23).

Theological Significance

Protection: Sanwer underscores the Lord as “a shield” (Psalm 3:3) by disabling attackers.

Judgment: The blindness previews fuller judgment if repentance is refused (as in Sodom).

Revelation and Concealment: God simultaneously reveals His power to the righteous and conceals His plans from the wicked (compare Isaiah 29:10).

Prayer and Agency: Elisha’s request shows that prophetic intercession remains a vital means by which divine protection is activated.

Comparison with Other Terms

Unlike עִוְרוֹן (ivron, chronic blindness) or עִוֵּר (iver, a blind person), סַנְוֵר is sudden, temporary, and strategic. It resembles the blinding light that felled Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9), though described there in Greek terms.

Foreshadowing within the Canon

The motif anticipates New Testament scenes where spiritual blindness afflicts those opposing Christ (John 9:39–41; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Conversely, believers are promised sight and light (Ephesians 1:18).

Practical Ministry Applications

• Intercessory prayer may ask for the thwarting of wicked schemes while seeking the salvation of adversaries, following Elisha’s pattern of non-lethal deliverance.
• Leaders can trust that God still restrains evil when His mission requires it, encouraging boldness in witness and holiness.
• The accounts caution against hardening one’s heart; persistent rebellion may incur judicial blindness (Romans 11:8).

Key Lessons for Contemporary Believers

1. God remains sovereign over human perception; He can remove or restore sight at His will.
2. Divine protection often comes in unexpected forms, calling for faith rather than retaliation.
3. Mercy accompanies judgment: even blinded foes may later receive kindness and the opportunity for repentance.

בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֑ים בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֔ים בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֖ים בסנורים bas·san·wê·rîm bassanveRim bassanwêrîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts