Eye
(Heb. ‘ain, meaning “flowing”), applied (1) to a fountain, frequently; (2) to colour (Num 11:7; R.V., “appearance,” marg. “eye”); (3) the face (Ex 10:5, Ex 10:15; Num 22:5, Num 22:11), in Num 14:14, “face to face” (R.V. marg., “eye to eye”). “Between the eyes”, i.e., the forehead (Ex 13:9, Ex 13:16).
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 favour (Gen 44:21; Job 24:23; Jer 39:12). This word is used figuratively in the expressions an “evil eye” (Matt 20:15), a “bountiful eye” (Prov 22:9), “haughty eyes” (Prov 6:17 marg.), “wanton eyes” (Isa 3:16), “eyes full of adultery” (2 Pet. 2 Pet 2:14), “the lust of the eyes” (1 John 2:16). Christians are warned against “eye-service” (Eph 6:6; Col 3:22). Men were sometimes punished by having their eyes put out (1 Sam 11:2; Samson, Judg 16:21; Zedekiah, 2 Kgs 25:7).
The custom of painting the eyes is alluded to in 2 Kgs 9:30, R.V.; Jer 4:30; Ezek 23:40, a custom which still prevails extensively among Eastern women.
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
