Category: Fullness

blindness in part

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Rom. 11:25

Here are two intriguing things; “blindness in part” and “fulness of the Gentiles.”

The “in part” denotes:

  1. A duration of time. As if blindness will occur while the Gentiles do their thing or come into their fullness. (whatever ‘fullness’ happens to be)
  2. The effect upon individuals. It cannot be said that all Jewish neighbors are blind in their assessment of who the Messiah is, no matter what age we live in. By the same token, it cannot be said that all Jewish neighbors will see, whether during or after the fullness of the Gentiles.
  3. The expression “in part” can be reiterated “for the most part” or “as a whole.” I think the context directs us to this conclusion.
  4. Therefore for the most part Israel will be blind to the Messiah until. . .

Now what about those Gentiles in their fullness?