Topical Bible: The Eye: Grows Dim by Sorrow

◄ The Eye: Grows Dim by Sorrow ►

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In biblical literature, the eye is often used metaphorically to represent perception, understanding, and emotional state. The phrase "grows dim by sorrow" captures the profound impact of grief and distress on a person's physical and spiritual well-being. This concept is rooted in the understanding that deep sorrow can affect one's vision, both literally and figuratively, as a reflection of inner turmoil and despair.

Biblical References

The imagery of eyes growing dim due to sorrow is poignantly illustrated in several passages of Scripture. In the book of Job, a man who experiences profound suffering and loss, we find a vivid depiction of this phenomenon. Job laments, "My eye has grown dim with grief, and my whole body is but a shadow" (Job 17:7). Here, Job's dimming eyes symbolize the overwhelming sorrow that has consumed him, affecting his physical health and vitality.

Similarly, the Psalms often express the deep emotional struggles of the psalmists. In Psalm 6, David cries out to the Lord in his distress, saying, "My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes" (Psalm 6:7). This verse highlights the connection between external adversities and internal anguish, illustrating how persistent sorrow can cloud one's vision and hope.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the dimming of the eyes due to sorrow underscores the human condition in a fallen world. It reflects the reality of suffering and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. The Bible acknowledges the depth of human grief and the way it can obscure one's spiritual sight, making it difficult to perceive God's presence and promises.

However, Scripture also offers hope and restoration. The dimming of the eyes is not the end of the account. The Bible assures believers that God is attentive to their cries and is a source of comfort and healing. In Psalm 34:15, it is written, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" . This promise serves as a reminder that God sees and cares for those who are burdened by sorrow.

Practical Application

Understanding the biblical concept of eyes growing dim by sorrow can offer comfort and guidance to those experiencing grief. It validates the emotional struggles faced by believers and encourages them to seek solace in God's presence. The church community is called to support and uplift those who are mourning, providing a space for healing and restoration.

In pastoral care, acknowledging the impact of sorrow on one's spiritual vision can lead to compassionate ministry. Encouraging individuals to express their grief and seek God's comfort can help restore clarity and hope. The promise of God's attentive care and the assurance of His presence can bring light to dimmed eyes and weary hearts.

In summary, the biblical theme of eyes growing dim by sorrow serves as a powerful metaphor for the impact of grief on the human soul. It reflects the reality of suffering while pointing to the hope and healing found in God's unwavering love and care.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 17:7
My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Growth in Christliness of Life.
... man flashes to the brain, and the eye grows dim and the ... as the shades deepen, and
the air grows chill, the ... of the road from your brow, and the sorrow from your ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter xii growth in christliness.htm

Beloved, and yet Afflicted
... They were a favoured trio, and yet, as the serpent came into Paradise, so did sorrow
enter their ... We may tell him about the eye which grows dim, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/beloved and yet afflicted.htm

Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
... and amend in us whatsoever doth offend the eye of our ... all expressions of love here,
are but dim shadows of a ... It lives and grows for ever, following on in their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/i out of the deep.htm

Sowing in the Wind, Reaping under Clouds
... It is very wise to know the difficulty of your calling, the sorrow which comes with
it, the trial which arises out of ... And when thine eye of faith grows dim,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sowing in the wind reaping.htm

The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained
... seeing' (Ecclesiastes 1:8). But there the eye will be ... pleasant flowers, within a
little while he grows weary; but it ... awhile, and then our eyes grow dim and we ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/17 the blessed privilege of.htm

One Worker Preparing for Another
... Remember what a life of sorrow he lived ... He seemed to have in his mind's eye some
young man, who ... We pass away, as star by star grows dim; but the eternal light is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm

The Bitterness and Blessedness of the Brevity of Life
... pass on into that funereal band which grows and moves ... many of us there is nothing
but sorrow in watching ... whose juice is healing, against his dim eye-ball"by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the bitterness and blessedness of.htm

The New Nature
... Ay, but not only in the poet's eye is there a ... It grows but late and then it dies,
alas how soon! ... the cheeks of this seraphic comeliness, nor dim the brilliant ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the new nature.htm

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... lying in his cradle is this,"if he grows up, he ... But we ought to remember that an
Almighty eye has long ... king David's views of this kingdom were dim and vague ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

The Servant's Triumph
... to assert that the unerring and all-penetrating eye of the ... which shines on the surface
of the sea, and grows. ... At first it may be but a dim recognition, as in a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants triumph.htm