Definition: (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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 11:8. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage, so we’ll go through it slowly. Here’s the basic meaning: “Romans 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.” This verse speaks about a situation where people are experiencing a kind of spiritual blindness or apathy. Let’s unpack each part: “According as it is written…” – This means we're looking at the words in the Bible as they were originally intended, rather than how they might be interpreted today. It’s like reading a historical document. “God hath given them the spirit of slumber…” – This suggests that these people aren't actively thinking about God or His truth. They’re not engaged in genuine reflection or understanding. It’s as if their minds are "put to sleep" – not actively processing anything. Think of it like a car engine idling, not running. “eyes that they should not see…” - This is the core of the problem. It means they're not seeing God’s truth clearly. They aren’t open to understanding His message or His plan for them. Their minds are closed off. “…and ears that they should not hear…” – Again, this speaks to a lack of listening. They aren’t receptive to the word of God, whether it's through prayer, scripture, or other means. They're deaf to His voice and guidance. “unto this day.” - This is crucial. It indicates that this state of spiritual slumber and blindness has been going on for a very long time . It’s not just a temporary thing; it continues even now. So, the overall message of the verse is: God has given people a period of spiritual dormancy – a state of being unable to perceive or understand His truth. It's a deliberate choice, perhaps, that allows for some time for God’s work to unfold, but it’s a challenging and potentially dangerous situation for those who are not open to receiving His message. What does this mean for us today? This verse can be interpreted in several ways: Spiritual apathy: It warns us against complacency – of drifting from faith and becoming disconnected from God. The need for renewed awareness: It encourages us to actively seek out truth, read the Bible, pray, and engage with God's word to restore our spiritual vision. A call to repentance: Recognizing this state can be a starting point for turning away from harmful behaviors or choices and returning to a closer relationship with God. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/romans](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/romans) - This is a great place to read the verse in context and explore related passages. Bible Study Resources: Many websites offer explanations of biblical meaning and interpretation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss how this verse relates to specific challenges in our lives (like doubt or discouragement)? Provide a metaphor or analogy to help illustrate the concept?