### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kâchal**, represented by `{{H3583}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **paint**. Its usage is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 verse** of scripture. It refers to the act of painting one's eyes with stibium, a type of cosmetic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H3583}}` occurs in a prophetic oracle in Ezekiel. The passage describes unfaithful Israel and Judah preparing themselves for foreign visitors, symbolizing their spiritual adultery and reliance on foreign nations instead of God. The verse states, "...for whom thou didst wash thyself, **paintedst** thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments," [[Ezekiel 23:40]]. This act is part of a series of preparations to make oneself alluring to men who were summoned from a far country.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text illuminate the context of this adornment:
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (eye): This word, meaning an eye literally or figuratively, is the direct object of the action of painting. While it can refer to physical sight, it is often used to denote outward appearance, which man looks upon, in contrast to the heart, which the LORD sees [[1 Samuel 16:7]].
* `{{H5710}}` **ʻâdâh** (deckedst): A root meaning to adorn or deck oneself. It is used in parallel with painting the eyes. This term can describe a bride adorning herself with jewels [[Isaiah 61:10]] or, as in this context, an act of self-beautification for an illicit purpose.
* `{{H7364}}` **râchats** (wash): This word for washing or bathing precedes the act of painting. It can refer to physical cleansing [[2 Samuel 11:2]] but is also used metaphorically for spiritual purification, as in the call to "Wash you, make you clean" [[Isaiah 1:16]].
* `{{H5716}}` **ʻădîy** (ornaments): These are the finery or trappings used to deck oneself. While God himself decked Jerusalem with ornaments [[Ezekiel 16:11]], the same word is used to describe adornments used in vanity when seeking lovers [[Jeremiah 4:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3583}}` is derived entirely from its singular, negative context.
* **Symbol of Unfaithfulness:** The act of painting the eyes is presented as part of a seductive preparation for illicit lovers. It serves as a potent metaphor for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and its pursuit of sinful alliances with foreign nations [[Ezekiel 23:40]].
* **External vs. Internal State:** The focus on washing `{{H7364}}`, painting `{{H3583}}`, and decking with ornaments `{{H5710}}` highlights a concern with external appearance to attract others, standing in stark contrast to the biblical emphasis on inner purity and a heart devoted to God.
* **Corrupted Adornment:** While beautification is not inherently evil, its purpose in this context is corrupt. The adornment is not for God but to entice "men to come from far" [[Ezekiel 23:40]], illustrating how God-given blessings can be misappropriated for sinful purposes.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3583}}` **kâchal** is a rare term whose meaning is entirely shaped by its sole appearance in scripture. It is not a general term for painting but specifically for the cosmetic painting of the eyes. Within its prophetic context, it serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual adultery, where the act of outward adornment becomes an illustration of Israel's inner unfaithfulness and its turning away from God to seek forbidden relationships.
TRV