Lexical Summary tamruq: Purification, cosmetic, ointment Original Word: תַּמְרוּק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cleanse, thing for purification Or tamruq {tam-rook'}; or tamriyq {tam-reek'}; from maraq; properly, a scouring, i.e. Soap or perfumery for the bath; figuratively, a detergent -- X cleanse, (thing for) purification(-fying). see HEBREW maraq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom maraq Definition a scraping, rubbing NASB Translation cosmetics (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs תַּמְרוּק noun [masculine] id.; — absolute singular only Proverbs 20:30 Qr, see מרק Hiph`il; elsewhere plural construct תַּמְרוּקֵי הַנָּשִׁים Esther 2:12; suffix תַּמְרוּקֶיהָ Esther 2:9, תַּמְרוּקֵיהֶן Esther 2:3. II. מרק (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage תַּמְרוּק appears exclusively within the narrative of Esther’s ascent to queenship (Esther 2:3, 2:9, 2:12). Each occurrence describes the regimen of beauty preparations imposed on the young women gathered to the Persian capital. The word therefore serves as a literary marker of the lengthy, meticulous process that preceded an audience with King Ahasuerus. Historical and Cultural Background The Persian Empire prized elaborate cosmetics and fragrances. Archaeological finds from Susa and Persepolis reveal alabaster jars, scented oils, and powdered minerals used to soften skin, perfume hair, and brighten complexion. Royal harem candidates underwent month-long treatments, an external sign of the empire’s opulence and the absolute authority of the monarch. תַּמְרוּק captures this cultural milieu, lending authenticity to the biblical account. Textual Observations in Esther 1. Esther 2:3 introduces the requirement that women receive “their cosmetics” before meeting the king, indicating an official program overseen by royal eunuchs. Theological Significance 1. Providence Behind Human Ornaments. The lavish preparations highlight human effort, yet the narrative credits Esther’s rise to divine orchestration (Esther 4:14). Cosmetics become a backdrop against which God’s hidden hand is displayed. Foreshadowing and Typology The yearlong preparation anticipates the believer’s sanctification prior to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-8). Just as Esther’s cosmetics preceded her presentation, so the Church is “made ready,” clothed with righteousness bestowed by grace, not human artifice. Ministry Reflections • Discipleship involves time. Spiritual formation, like Esther’s preparation, is deliberate and cannot be rushed. Related Biblical Themes Purification: Leviticus 8:6; Psalm 51:2. Anointing with oil: Exodus 30:25; James 5:14. Inner versus outer adornment: Proverbs 31:30; 1 Timothy 2:9-10. In sum, תַּמְרוּק functions both as a narrative detail anchoring Esther in its historical setting and as a theological signpost pointing to God’s sovereign preparation of His servants. Forms and Transliterations וּבְתַמְרוּקֵ֖י ובתמרוקי תַּמְרוּקֵיהֶֽן׃ תַּמְרוּקֶ֤יהָ תמרוקיה תמרוקיהן׃ tam·rū·qe·hā tam·rū·qê·hen tamruKeiha tamrukeiHen tamrūqehā tamrūqêhen ū·ḇə·ṯam·rū·qê ūḇəṯamrūqê uvetamruKeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 2:3 HEB: הַנָּשִׁ֑ים וְנָת֖וֹן תַּמְרוּקֵיהֶֽן׃ NAS: of the women; and let their cosmetics be given KJV: of the women; and let their things for purification be given INT: of the women be given their cosmetics Esther 2:9 Esther 2:12 3 Occurrences |
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