Topical Bible: Painting: Around the Eyes to Enlarge Their Appearance

◄ Painting: Around the Eyes to Enlarge Their Appearance ►

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, the practice of painting around the eyes to enhance their appearance is a cultural phenomenon that finds mention in the Bible. This practice, often involving the application of kohl or similar substances, was prevalent among various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Israelites. The use of eye paint served both cosmetic and symbolic purposes, often associated with beauty, allure, and sometimes even spiritual or protective connotations.

Biblical References

The Bible references the practice of eye painting in a few notable passages, often in contexts that carry moral or spiritual implications. One of the most direct mentions is found in 2 Kings 9:30, where Jezebel, the infamous queen, is described: "When Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it. So she painted her eyes, arranged her hair, and looked out of a window" . Here, the act of painting her eyes is portrayed as part of Jezebel's attempt to maintain her regal and seductive presence in the face of impending judgment.

Another reference is found in Jeremiah 4:30, where the prophet speaks metaphorically to the people of Judah: "And you, O devastated one, what will you do? Though you dress yourself in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, you beautify yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life" . In this passage, the use of eye paint symbolizes the futile attempts of Judah to attract and secure alliances, highlighting the emptiness of relying on external adornments rather than true repentance and faithfulness to God.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient world, eye painting was not merely a cosmetic enhancement but often carried deeper meanings. Kohl, a common substance used for this purpose, was believed to have protective qualities against the harsh sun and even the evil eye. The practice was widespread among both men and women, signifying status, beauty, and sometimes even religious devotion.

In the biblical narrative, however, the emphasis is often on the moral and spiritual dimensions of such practices. The prophets and biblical writers frequently used the imagery of adornment, including eye painting, to critique the superficiality and idolatry of the people. The focus is on the heart's condition rather than outward appearances, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7: "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart'" .

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the biblical references to painting around the eyes serve as a caution against vanity and misplaced trust in external beauty. The practice is often associated with figures or nations that stand in opposition to God's will, such as Jezebel or the unfaithful Judah. These narratives underscore the biblical theme that true beauty and worth are found in a life aligned with God's purposes and characterized by inner righteousness.

The Bible's treatment of eye painting, therefore, invites reflection on the broader biblical principles of modesty, humility, and the pursuit of inner beauty. It challenges believers to consider where they place their trust and how they present themselves, encouraging a focus on the heart's transformation through a relationship with God.

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2 Kings 9:30
And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
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Jeremiah 4:30
And when you are spoiled, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you deck you with ornaments of gold, though you rend your face with painting, in vain shall you make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you, they will seek your life.
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Ezekiel 23:40
And furthermore, that you have sent for men to come from far, to whom a messenger was sent; and, see, they came: for whom you did wash yourself, painted your eyes, and decked yourself with ornaments,
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Library

The Life of Christ.
... in a district, thousands often hastily gathered around Him; [19:6 ... seize as the
groundwork of a painting of Jesus. ... discourses He at once blinded the eyes of His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... 1 Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a Medum painting. ... Small frseuated eyes, a short nose,
flanked by widely ... the word, except as it centred around the mother. ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... of Babylon reached the countries lying around the Mediterranean ... recent origin, the
resemblance to their forefathers is ... skins, black hair and eyes, who belonged ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... a little aloof from the pressure and turmoil around us, often felt ... But often his
work is like the painting of great ... looking at the man with all his eyes as his ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... by the intrigues which usually gathered around a monarch ... of Egypt, he must have cast
his eyes beyond the ... grudge borne by the Syrians against their suzerain at ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm