The Bible includes numerous references to eyes being opened, beyond the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:7 (where their eyes were opened to their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit). These instances often symbolize gaining physical sight, spiritual insight, awareness, or divine revelation. Think of a lover who is unwittingly in a toxic relationship who can’t see the dysfunction that is obvious to his friends who have the distance of observers. The lover can’t see the forest for the trees.

Other bible examples include:

Psalm 119:18: A prayer to “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law,” seeking deeper insight into God’s word.

Luke 24:31: On the road to Emmaus, the disciples’ eyes were opened, and they recognized the resurrected Jesus as he broke bread with them.

Acts 26:18: Paul describes his mission as being sent “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.”

Ephesians 1:18: A prayer for “the eyes of your hearts [to be] enlightened,” to understand the hope and inheritance in Christ.

Paul is interesting because he views sin not only as the transgressing of God’s law, but as a demonic force controlling and influencing people to disobey God. In this case, what was needed was for something to happen that breaks the spell of evil. Think of Satan entering Judas. This spell breaker is none other than the wrongful crucifixion of God’s especially beloved (agapetos) Jesus. When we see ourselves in the world that turned on Jesus, it opens our eyes and makes conspicuous our hidden sinful nature, which then makes repentance possible.