as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The term translated "slumber" actually points to a profound, piercing confusion or stupefaction, like that following a severe blow, not just a gentle nap. This emphasizes that their spiritual blindness wasn't a passive state but a divinely permitted, active hardening resulting from a deep spiritual wound.
as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining why most Jewish people at the time didn't believe in Jesus, referencing Old Testament prophecies that spoke of a spiritual blindness. This isn't about random chance but a fulfillment of Scripture, showing a pattern of disbelief that stretches back through Israel's history. The verse quotes Isaiah and Deuteronomy to illustrate this deep-seated spiritual condition that God, in His sovereign judgment, allowed to continue.
The verse speaks of a 'spirit of stupor.' What does that really mean? It's not just about being tired or unaware.
The original language gives us a deeper picture here. The word translated 'stupor' (katanuxeo) literally relates to a 'pricking' or 'piercing' sensation, like a wound. Over time, this came to signify the dazed confusion or stupefaction that follows a blow.
Think of it like this:
This isn't a gentle nod-off; it's a profound spiritual insensibility that leaves individuals unable to grasp God's truth, even when it's right in front of them.
The verse describes God giving people 'eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear.' How can God 'give' blindness?
This powerful imagery isn't about God arbitrarily striking people blind. Instead, it describes a judicial hardening – God responding to persistent rejection of His truth and grace.
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This concept highlights that while God is sovereign, His judgments are often a response to human choices, a consistent pattern seen throughout Scripture.
Understand the original words
katanuxis · Greek Noun
A state of spiritual lethargy, confusion, or lack of perception, where one is rendered unable to comprehend or respond to the reality of God, often functioning as a divine judgment.
Paul quotes ancient prophecies from Isaiah and Deuteronomy, applying them directly to the contemporary rejection of Jesus by many in Israel. This highlights that their spiritual blindness wasn't a new problem but a fulfillment of long-standing prophetic patterns, seen by Paul as a judicial consequence of persistent unbelief.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy of Blindness
The prophet Isaiah delivers a message from God to Israel, foretelling a coming judgment where the people's hearts will become dull, their eyes blind, and their ears deaf, hindering their understanding and repentance.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Foretells National Hardening
In Deuteronomy, Moses warns the Israelites that despite their journey and the covenant promises, God might give them a heart that does not understand, eyes that do not see, and ears that do not hear, leading to continued spiritual blindness.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and many of the Jewish elite are exiled to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian captivity and a period of national distress and spiritual searching for the remaining Judeans.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a further, more devastating exile for the Jewish people. This event deeply impacts Jewish identity and theology.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Rejection by Many Jews
During Jesus' earthly ministry, many among the Jewish leadership and populace reject Him as the promised Messiah, despite His miracles and teachings. This rejection fulfills prophetic patterns of spiritual blindness.
c. AD 62— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul, likely in Corinth or Ephesus, writes his letter to the church in Rome, addressing complex theological issues regarding God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles in His salvation plan.
This verse is the primary source for Paul's quote, directly speaking of God pouring out a spirit of deep sleep and closing eyes and mouths upon His people.
Deuteronomy 29:4This passage from Moses also speaks of God not giving the people a heart to understand, eyes to see, and ears to hear, echoing the theme of spiritual incomprehension.
Matthew 13:14-15Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 (which is closely related) to explain why He speaks in parables, directly linking divine action to spiritual blindness and deafness for a hardened people.
Acts 28:26-27Paul himself quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 when speaking to Jewish leaders in Rome, lamenting their persistent refusal to see, hear, and understand, showing the ongoing fulfillment of this prophecy.
2 Thessalonians 2:11This passage describes God sending a powerful delusion on those who do not believe, showing a pattern where God can sovereignly act to bring about spiritual blindness as a consequence of rejecting truth.
ellicottRomans 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."
(8) The spirit of slumber. —This phrase, again, has a curious history. Etymologically, the word translated “slumber” would seem to agree better with the marginal rendering, “remorse.” It comes from a root meaning to “prick or cut with a sharp instrument.” There happens to be another root somewhat similar, but certainly not conn…
vincentRomans 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."
It is writtenThree quotations follow, two of which we blended in this verse: Isaiah 29:10; Deuteronomy 29:3 (4).Hath given (ὄδωκεν)Heb., poured out. Sept., given to drink.Slumber (κατανύξεως)Heb., deep sleep. Only here in the New Testament. Lit., pricking or piercing, compunction. Compare the kindred verb κατενύγησαν were p…
The term translated "slumber" actually points to a profound, piercing confusion or stupefaction, like that following a severe blow, not just a gentle nap. This emphasizes that their spiritual blindness wasn't a passive state but a divinely permitted, active hardening resulting from a deep spiritual wound.
Paul is explaining why most Jewish people at the time didn't believe in Jesus, referencing Old Testament prophecies that spoke of a spiritual blindness. This isn't about random chance but a fulfillment of Scripture, showing a pattern of disbelief that stretches back through Israel's history. The verse quotes Isaiah and Deuteronomy to illustrate this deep-seated spiritual condition that God, in His sovereign judgment, allowed to continue.
Paul is explaining why most Jewish people at the time didn't believe in Jesus, referencing Old Testament prophecies that spoke of a spiritual blindness. This isn't about random chance but a fulfillment of Scripture, showing a pattern of disbelief that stretches back through Israel's history. The verse quotes Isaiah and Deuteronomy to illustrate this deep-seated spiritual condition that God, in His sovereign judgment, allowed to continue.
"as it is written,
“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
down to this very day.”" — The term translated "slumber" actually points to a profound, piercing confusion or stupefaction, like that following a severe blow, not just a gentle nap. This emphasizes that their spiritual blindne…
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Last reviewed October 2026