Topical Encyclopedia The term "darkened" in the Bible often symbolizes a state of spiritual blindness, moral confusion, or divine judgment. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe the absence of light, understanding, or righteousness.1. Spiritual Blindness and Moral Confusion: In the New Testament, "darkened" is frequently used to describe the spiritual state of those who are separated from God. In Romans 1:21 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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." Here, "darkened" signifies a willful rejection of God's truth, leading to a clouded understanding and moral decay. 2. Divine Judgment: The concept of being darkened is also associated with God's judgment upon those who persist in sin. In Ephesians 4:18 , Paul speaks of the Gentiles, saying, "They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts." This passage highlights the consequence of persistent sin and rejection of God, resulting in a darkened understanding as a form of divine judgment. 3. Metaphorical Use in Prophecy: The imagery of darkness is often used in prophetic literature to describe times of judgment and calamity. In Isaiah 60:2 , it is written, "For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you." Here, darkness symbolizes the pervasive sin and despair in the world, contrasted with the hope of God's redemptive light. 4. Contrast with Light: Throughout Scripture, darkness is contrasted with light, which represents truth, holiness, and the presence of God. In John 1:5 , it is stated, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This verse emphasizes the victory of Christ, the Light of the world, over the darkness of sin and ignorance. 5. Moral and Ethical Implications: The state of being darkened has moral and ethical implications for believers. In 1 John 2:11 , it is written, "But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." This passage warns against the moral blindness that results from hatred and sin, urging believers to walk in the light of love and truth. 6. Call to Enlightenment: The Bible calls individuals to move from darkness to light, symbolizing a transition from ignorance and sin to knowledge and righteousness. In Ephesians 5:8 , Paul exhorts believers, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This call to enlightenment is a central theme in the Christian journey, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's light in overcoming spiritual darkness. In summary, the concept of being "darkened" in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual blindness, moral confusion, and divine judgment, while also highlighting the hope and redemption found in the light of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Darken.Greek 4654. skotizo -- to darken ... See 4655 (). Word Origin from skotos Definition to darken NASB Word Usage darkened (5). darken. From skotos; to obscure (literally or figuratively) -- darken. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4654.htm - 7k 4656. skotoo -- to darken Strong's Hebrew 2345. chum -- darkened, dark brown or black... 2344, 2345. chum. 2346 . darkened, dark brown or black. Transliteration: chum Phonetic Spelling: (khoom) Short Definition: black. ... /hebrew/2345.htm - 6k 2821. chashak -- to be or grow dark 6272. atham -- perhaps to burn 6150. arab -- to become evening, grow dark Library Whether the Demons' Intellect is Darkened by Privation of the ... The Night Darkened Steadily Down Over London, -- a Chill Dreary ... Whether Towards the Time of the Judgment the Sun and Moon Will be ... Herein is a Mirror to be Blamed, --If Its Clearness is Darkened ... Our Lord's Olivet Discourse Shows that There is no Universal ... But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ... It is Written that in Our Lord's Passion There was Darkness Over ... The Life of God The Saviour's Last Hours. The Story of David Thesaurus Darkened (28 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Darkened (28 Occurrences). ... Mark 10:22 At these words his brow darkened, and he went away sad; for he was possessed of great wealth. ... /d/darkened.htm - 15k Distress (169 Occurrences) Dark (234 Occurrences) Stars (64 Occurrences) Oppression (67 Occurrences) Lightened (11 Occurrences) Tribulation (43 Occurrences) Darken (3 Occurrences) Shed (73 Occurrences) Moon (70 Occurrences) Resources Is an eclipse a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God draws us to salvation? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view the intellect? | GotQuestions.org Darkened: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Darkened (28 Occurrences)Matthew 24:29 Mark 10:22 Mark 13:24 Luke 11:34 Luke 11:36 Luke 23:45 Romans 1:21 Romans 11:10 2 Corinthians 3:14 Ephesians 4:18 Revelation 8:12 Revelation 9:2 Revelation 16:10 Exodus 10:15 Job 3:9 Job 18:6 Job 22:11 Psalms 69:23 Ecclesiastes 12:2 Ecclesiastes 12:3 Song of Songs 1:6 Isaiah 5:30 Isaiah 9:19 Isaiah 13:10 Isaiah 24:11 Ezekiel 30:18 Joel 2:10 Joel 3:15 Subtopics Related Terms |