ChristianAnswers.Net WebBible Encyclopedia

eye (ain)

(Hebrew: 'ain, meaning “flowing”), applied…

  1. …to a fountain or spring, frequently.


    SEE: spring; fountain.

  2. …to color (Num. 11:7; Revised Version, “appearance,” marginal note “eye”)

  3. …the face (Ex. 10:5, 15; Num. 22:5, 11), in Num. 14:14, “face to face” (Revised Version marginal note, “eye to eye”). “Between the eyes”, i.e., the forehead (Ex. 13:9, 16).

    The expression (Prov. 23:31), “when it giveth his colour in the cup,” is literally, “when it giveth out [or showeth] its eye.” The beads or bubbles of wine are thus spoken of. “To set the eyes” on any one is to view him with favor (Genesis 44:21; Job 24:23; Jer. 39:12).



    MAKE-UP: The custom of painting the eyes is alluded to in 2 Kings 9:30, Revised Version; Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40, a custom which still prevails extensively among Eastern women.
