Blindfold
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Blindfold in the Bible?
A blindfold was a common instrument of humiliation and torture in the ancient Near East, frequently employed by soldiers to mock captives or prisoners by striking them and forcing them to guess their attacker's identity. This specific practice is recorded in the New Testament accounts of the Passion narrative, where Roman soldiers and temple guards blindfolded Jesus before striking him.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the cultural context of the blindfold clarifies the nature of the mockery Jesus endured, illustrating how his physical suffering was compounded by psychological degradation and the deliberate obscuring of his identity, thereby deepening the reader's comprehension of the Gospel narratives regarding his trial and crucifixion.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Blindfold in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Blindfold clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.