King James Version

What Does Romans 11:10 Mean?

Romans 11:10 in the King James Version says “Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.”

Romans 11:10 · KJV

Context

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. slumber: or, remorse

9

And David saith, Let their table be made a snare , and a trap , and a stumblingblock , and a recompence unto them:

10

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

11

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid : but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

12

Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? diminishing: or, decay, or, loss

Read Romans 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see—skotisthētōsan (σκοτισθήτωσαν) is an aorist passive imperative, expressing David's prayer for judicial blinding. The continuation of Psalm 69:23 adds: and bow down their back alway (synkampson dia pantos, σύγκαμψον διὰ παντός). This depicts permanent subjugation, a bent back that cannot straighten—a posture of burden and bondage.

The imagery is powerful: spiritual blindness leads to perpetual slavery. Those who reject truth become enslaved to error. Yet Paul's use of this text is not to declare Israel's permanent rejection but to explain their temporary hardening (v. 25). The phrase "alway" (dia pantos) seems permanent, but Paul will reinterpret this in light of Israel's future restoration (vv. 26-27). The judicial hardening is real but not final.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of a 'bent back' would resonate with Roman readers familiar with conquered peoples bearing burdens of slavery. Ironically, Israel—called to be a kingdom of priests—bears the burden of judicial hardening for rejecting their King. Yet this is not the end of their story.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual blindness lead to spiritual bondage, and what does this teach about the progressive nature of rejecting truth?
  2. What hope is implied by Paul quoting this 'permanent' judgment in a context where he will argue for Israel's future restoration?
  3. How do we avoid the hardening that comes from misusing spiritual privileges?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
σκοτισθήτωσαν1 of 13

“Let”

G4654

to obscure (literally or figuratively)

οἱ2 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμοὶ3 of 13

“eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

αὐτῶν4 of 13

“their”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ5 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ6 of 13

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βλέπειν7 of 13

“see”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν9 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νῶτον10 of 13

“back”

G3577

the back

αὐτῶν11 of 13

“their”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διαπαντός12 of 13

“alway”

G1275

through all time, i.e., (adverbially) constantly

σύγκαμψον13 of 13

“bow down”

G4781

to bend together, i.e., (figuratively) to afflict

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 11:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 69:23Deuteronomy 28:64-68Romans 1:21Romans 11:8Ephesians 4:182 Peter 2:4

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 11 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes