Original Word: פוּךְ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: puwk
Pronunciation: pook
Phonetic Spelling: (pook)
Definition: dye
Meaning: The term פוּךְ (pûk) primarily refers to a dye, specifically a black mineral powder used as a cosmetic for painting the eyes. It is often associated with enhancing beauty or allure.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry related to the concept of eye cosmetics is Strong's Greek Number G4185 • πηλόω (pēloō), which refers to the act of smearing or anointing, often used in the context of applying substances to the eyes. While not a direct equivalent, it shares the thematic element of applying a substance for visual enhancement or healing.

Usage: The word פוּךְ (pûk) is used in the context of cosmetics, particularly in reference to eye makeup. It appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts that describe the adornment of the eyes, often symbolizing beauty or seduction.

Context: פוּךְ (pûk) is a term found in the Hebrew Bible that denotes a cosmetic substance used for painting the eyes. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where eye makeup was applied to enhance appearance and protect the eyes from the sun's glare. The use of פוּךְ is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting its cultural significance and association with beauty.

In 2 Kings 9:30, Jezebel is described as painting her eyes with פוּךְ as she prepares to confront Jehu, indicating the use of cosmetics as a means of presenting oneself with dignity or allure. Similarly, in Jeremiah 4:30, the use of פוּךְ is mentioned in a metaphorical context, illustrating the futility of outward adornment in the face of impending judgment.

The application of פוּךְ was typically done with a small stick or applicator, and the powder was often stored in a small container. This practice is reflective of the broader ancient custom of using cosmetics for both aesthetic and practical purposes.

Word Origin
perhaps of foreign origin
Definition
antimony, stibium
NASB Translation
antimony (2), paint (1), painted* (1).

מּוּךְ noun [masculine] antimony, stibium (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; compare possibly Arabic open, separate; Syriac pulverize; but מּוּךְ perhaps foreign word); — black mineral powder, for increasing brilliance of eyes by darkening edges of lids; ׳וַתָּשֶׂם בֵּמּ עֵינֶוהָ 2 Kings 9:30, ׳תִּקְרְעִי וגו Jeremiah 4:30; (on practice in Arabic see We^{GGN, 1893, 443}; in Egypt, Lane^{Mod.Egypt.ed. 5, i. 45 f.}); figurative Isaiah 54:11 of dark cement setting off precious stones (but We^{DLZ, Aug. 2, 1890} Che^Hpt and others read נֹפֶךְ q. v.); ׳אַבְנֵי פ 1 Chronicles 29:2 are perhaps stones of brilliant hue of antimony. — compare proper name קֶרֶן הַמּוּךְ, and כָּחַל.

fair colors, glistering, painted

From an unused root meaning to paint; dye (specifically, stibium for the eyes) -- fair colours, glistering, paint(-ed) (-ing).

בַּפּ֤וּךְ בַּפּוּךְ֙ בַפּוּךְ֙ בפוך פ֣וּךְ פוך bap·pūḵ ḇap·pūḵ bapPuch bappūḵ ḇappūḵ fuch p̄ūḵ vappuChInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts