Eyelashes, though a small and often overlooked part of the human anatomy, hold significance in biblical literature and ancient Near Eastern culture. In the Bible, eyelashes are not explicitly mentioned frequently, but their presence and symbolism can be inferred from various passages and cultural contexts.

Biblical References and Symbolism

While the Bible does not directly reference eyelashes, they are implicitly included in descriptions of the eyes and facial beauty. In the ancient world, including the biblical context, the eyes were often seen as windows to the soul, and eyelashes played a role in enhancing the beauty and expressiveness of the eyes. The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and beauty, often uses imagery related to the eyes to convey attraction and admiration. For example, Song of Solomon 4:1 states, "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil." While eyelashes are not mentioned, the focus on the eyes suggests an appreciation for the entire eye area, including the lashes.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Israelites, beauty practices often involved the enhancement of the eyes. This is evidenced by archaeological findings of kohl and other cosmetics used to darken the eyelids and lashes, making the eyes appear larger and more striking. Such practices are alluded to in the Bible, as seen in 2 Kings 9:30 , where Jezebel "painted her eyes and adorned her head" before meeting Jehu. This act of beautification likely included the darkening of her eyelashes to enhance her appearance.

Symbolic Interpretations

Eyelashes, as part of the eye, can also be seen symbolically in the context of vigilance and protection. Just as eyelashes serve to protect the eyes from dust and debris, the Bible often uses the imagery of eyes to convey watchfulness and divine protection. Psalm 17:8 pleads, "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings." Here, the protective nature of the eye, including its lashes, can be seen as a metaphor for God's safeguarding presence over His people.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

From a moral and spiritual perspective, the emphasis on the eyes and their beauty in Scripture can serve as a reminder of the importance of inner beauty and purity. 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." While eyelashes and other physical features can enhance outward beauty, the Bible consistently points believers toward cultivating inner virtues that reflect God's character.

In summary, while eyelashes are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, their role in enhancing the beauty and expressiveness of the eyes is acknowledged within the broader cultural and symbolic context of Scripture. They serve as a subtle reminder of the balance between appreciating God's creation and prioritizing spiritual beauty and integrity.

June 4. "Looking unto Jesus" (Heb. xii. 2).
... We should have mental eyelashes as well as physical ones, which can be used like
shields, and let no evil thing in; or, like a stockade camp in the woods ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /june 4 looking unto jesus.htm

The Origin of Female Ornamentation, Traced Back to the Angels who ...
... the arms are compressed, and the medicaments of orchil with which wools are coloured,
and that black powder itself wherewith the eyelids and eyelashes are made ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter ii the origin of female.htm

Of the Outer Limbs of Man, and their Use.
... That the eyes, therefore, might be better protected from injury, He concealed them
with the coverings of the eyelashes, [1865] from which Varro thinks that the ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap x of the outer limbs.htm

On Infants' Early Deaths.
... Nature, indeed, by throwing out the shade of the eyelashes before the glaring rays,
brings to the eyes themselves a weaker light, and so the sunlight becomes ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on infants early deaths.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... galleries. Their cheeks are painted, their eyelashes and eyebrows blackened,
their ears and necks overloaded with jewels. Augustin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

Thanksgiving to God for Deliverance from the Evils Expected Owing ...
... for if you were to investigate that which seems the meanest of all the members,
I mean the eyelashes, you would behold even in these the manifold wisdom of God ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xi thanksgiving to god.htm

The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
... In the East this is a good and safe mode of traveling; the large, black eyes of
the animal, shaded by long eyelashes, give it an expression of gentleness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xi the kingdom of.htm

Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ...
... impressed by his appearance. "He has white eyelashes!" whispered Henri. "And
yellow teeth," responded Babette. Meanwhile Patoux, having ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ii lovely to a poet.htm

Christianity
... It would like, if it were possible, to believe in something a little beyond the
length of its eyelashes and the touch of its finger tips; something that cannot ...
/.../haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christianity.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... The said body is intact. The hair is long and thick; the eyelashes, eyes,
nose, and ears are spotless, as well as the nails. It ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

Eyelashes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eyelashes (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 6:25 Lust not after
her beauty in thy heart; neither let her captivate thee with her eyelids. ...
/e/eyelashes.htm - 6k

Glass (12 Occurrences)
... of course, small, some quite diminutive (see illustration), as also were the vials
or pots to contain the ointment for the eyebrows and eyelashes, used to ...
/g/glass.htm - 21k

Ostrich (9 Occurrences)
... that stagger scientists. It has eyelashes, developed no doubt to protect
the eyes from the dust and sand of desert life. On the ...
/o/ostrich.htm - 18k

Eaves (1 Occurrence)
... on the roof. 2. (n. pl.) Brow; ridge. 3. (n. pl.) Eyelids or eyelashes.
Multi-Version Concordance Eaves (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 7 ...
/e/eaves.htm - 6k

Eyeing (1 Occurrence)

/e/eyeing.htm - 6k

Eyelid

/e/eyelid.htm - 7k

Blindness (7 Occurrences)
... Minor forms of the disease destroy the eyelashes and produce the unsightly
tender-eyes (in Genesis 29:17 the word rakh may mean simply "weak"). ...
/b/blindness.htm - 19k

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