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Book of Romans - Chapter 11 - Verse 8

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.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Romans in the Bible is a reference to a passage in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. It speaks to the spiritual blindness and deafness that can afflict people who do not have a relationship with God. The "spirit of slumber" refers to a spiritual lethargy or apathy that prevents individuals from truly seeing and hearing the messages of God. This verse highlights the importance of being spiritually awake and aware in order to fully understand and accept the truths of the Bible. It serves as a warning to those who may be spiritually blinded and deafened by their own choices or circumstances. By acknowledging and addressing this spiritual sleepiness, individuals can seek to awaken their hearts and minds to the presence and teachings of God. This verse reminds readers of the ongoing relevance and importance of being spiritually attuned in order to fully receive and understand God's word.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "spirit of slumber" refers to a spiritual blindness or dullness that prevents people from understanding the truth of God's word. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of people being spiritually asleep or unaware of God's work in their lives. The mention of "eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear" is a reference to the hardness of heart that can come from rejecting God's truth repeatedly. This phrase is also seen in the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke in parables to reveal truth to those who truly sought it, but to conceal it from those who were not receptive. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of being spiritually awake and open to receiving God's word, lest we fall into a state of spiritual slumber and miss out on His blessings and guidance.

American Standard Version

according as it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this very day.
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