Bible Dictionaries
Eye

Easton's Bible Dictionary

(Heb. 'ain, meaning "flowing"), applied (1) to a fountain, frequently; (2) to colour (Numbers 11:7; RSV, "appearance," marg. "eye"); (3) the face (Exodus 10:5,15; Numbers 22:5,11 ), in Numbers 14:14 , "face to face" (RSV marg., "eye to eye"). "Between the eyes", i.e., the forehead (Exodus 13:9,16 ).

The expression (Proverbs 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 (Genesis 44:21; Job 24:23; Jeremiah 39:12 ). This word is used figuratively in the expressions an "evil eye" (Matthew 20:15 ), a "bountiful eye" (Proverbs 22:9 ), "haughty eyes" ((6:17 marg.), "wanton eyes" (Isaiah 3:16 ), "eyes full of adultery" (2 Peter 2:14 ), "the lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16 ). Christians are warned against "eye-service" (Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22 ). Men were sometimes punished by having their eyes put out (1 Samuel 11:2; Samson, Judges 16:21; Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25:7 ).

The custom of painting the eyes is alluded to in 2 Kings 9:30 , RSV; Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:40 , a custom which still prevails extensively among Eastern women.