### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H3583}}` (כָּחַל, *kâchal*) is a primitive verb primarily denoting the act of "to paint" or "to apply stibium." Stibium, a dark mineral, was widely used in the ancient Near East as a cosmetic, specifically for darkening the eyelids and eyelashes. This practice, often referred to as applying kohl, served both aesthetic and practical purposes (e.g., reducing glare, repelling insects). The semantic range of `{{H3583}}` is notably narrow, focusing almost exclusively on this specific form of cosmetic application to the eyes. Its designation as a "primitive root" suggests it is a foundational term, not derived from a simpler form, emphasizing its direct and specific meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H3583}}` appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence highly significant.
* **[[2 Kings 9:30]]**: "When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window."
The context is the dramatic demise of Queen Jezebel, a figure synonymous with idolatry, persecution of prophets, and defiance against Yahweh. As Jehu, the anointed instrument of divine judgment, approaches, Jezebel's act of "painting her eyes" (כָּחַל עֵינֶיהָ) is a striking detail. This action is often interpreted not as an act of repentance or submission, but rather as one of defiant pride, an attempt to maintain regal dignity, or even to exert a final, albeit futile, act of allure or intimidation in the face of her executioner. Her elaborate self-adornment in this moment underscores her unyielding character and her superficial reliance on outward show even as divine judgment closes in.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H3583}}` is unique in its specific reference to eye-painting, it is related to broader concepts of adornment and beauty in the biblical text.
* **`{{H5710}}` ('adah)**: A more general verb meaning "to adorn" or "to deck oneself," often used for clothing, jewelry, or general embellishment ([[Isaiah 61:10]], [[Jeremiah 4:30]]).
* **`{{H6643}}` (tsiyur)**: Refers to "painting" in the sense of a picture or drawing, distinct from cosmetic application ([[Ezekiel 23:14]]).
* **`{{H3603}}` (kachol)**: This noun, derived from the same root, refers to the substance itself, kohl or stibium.
The act of adornment, particularly excessive or deceptive adornment, is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, often employed metaphorically to describe Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness or harlotry. For instance, in [[Ezekiel 23:40]], the prophet describes Oholibah (representing Judah) as "painting her eyes" (though using a different verb, pûk, "to paint with antimony") and adorning herself for foreign lovers, clearly associating such acts with spiritual infidelity and idolatry.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{H3583}}` in the context of Jezebel's final moments imbues the word with profound theological significance. It connects the act of cosmetic eye-painting directly with a figure of profound ungodliness, defiance, and spiritual corruption. Theologically, this association suggests:
1. **Vanity and Defiance**: Jezebel's act highlights the emptiness of outward show when divorced from inner righteousness. Her painting of eyes, far from enhancing true beauty, becomes a symbol of her unrepentant pride and defiance in the face of divine judgment.
2. **Spiritual Harlotry**: In the broader prophetic tradition, excessive adornment, including eye-painting, is often a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual harlotry and idolatry, depicting the nation as a faithless bride who adorns herself for other "lovers" (false gods). While `{{H3583}}` itself is not used in these metaphorical contexts, its appearance with Jezebel reinforces the negative connotations of such practices when they signify a heart alienated from God.
3. **Contrast Between Appearance and Reality**: The passage implicitly contrasts Jezebel's superficial attempt at maintaining an image with the grim reality of her spiritual and physical demise. This underscores a consistent biblical theme: God looks at the heart, not merely the outward appearance ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3583}}` (כָּחַל, *kâchal*) precisely means "to paint the eyes with stibium or kohl." Despite its singular appearance in the biblical text, its context is exceptionally potent. Found only in [[2 Kings 9:30]] describing Jezebel's defiant act before her death, `{{H3583}}` becomes a powerful symbol. It associates cosmetic adornment, particularly eye-painting, with pride, unrepentant defiance, and the spiritual unfaithfulness often depicted as harlotry in prophetic literature. The theological weight of this single occurrence serves as a stark reminder of the biblical emphasis on internal righteousness and humility over external display and superficiality, especially when such outward show is used in rebellion against divine truth.
TRV