The Hebrew word pûwk, represented by H6320, is derived from an unused root meaning to paint. It refers to a dye, specifically stibium for the eyes, and is translated as fair colours, glistering, or paint. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, carrying connotations of both beautification and valuable adornment.
In its biblical contexts, H6320 is used both literally and figuratively. Literally, it describes the cosmetic painting of the face, as when Jezebel painted her face before Jehu's arrival 2 Kings 9:30. It is also used in a warning to a "spoiled" nation that its attempts to make itself attractive through painting are in vain Jeremiah 4:30. Figuratively, the word signifies beauty and value in construction. David prepared "glistering" stones, described by H6320, for the house of God 1 Chronicles 29:2. God also promises to lay the stones of an afflicted Jerusalem with "fair colours" as part of its glorious restoration Isaiah 54:11.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of H6320 in its context of adornment and construction:
- H7760 sûwm: This primitive root means to put or place, and is used as the verb for applying the painting (pûwk) to the face in the account of Jezebel 2 Kings 9:30.
- H68 'eben: Meaning a stone, this word is central to the figurative uses of H6320. God promises to lay the stones of a restored city with "fair colours," and David prepares "glistering" stones for the temple (Isaiah 54:11; 1 Chronicles 29:2).
- H3302 yâphâh: A verb meaning to be or make self fair. It is used in Jeremiah's prophecy to describe the futile goal of the nation's adornment, showing that the external application of painting (pûwk) cannot create true beauty Jeremiah 4:30.
The theological weight of H6320 is found in its contrasting applications, highlighting the difference between divine and human beautification.
- Divine Restoration: In Isaiah 54:11, God promises to transform an afflicted and tempest-tossed people by laying their very foundations with "fair colours." This represents a beauty and stability that only God can provide, turning suffering into glory.
- Vain Adornment: The word is used to critique superficial efforts to cover inner ruin. A spoiled nation "rentest" its face with painting, but it is in vain as its lovers will despise it Jeremiah 4:30. Similarly, Jezebel's cosmetic preparation does not alter her fate 2 Kings 9:30.
- Preciousness in Worship: The "glistering stones" prepared by David for the temple were valuable materials gathered with "all my might" for the house of God 1 Chronicles 29:2. Here, H6320 describes something precious and dedicated to a sacred purpose.
In summary, H6320 is a term with a dual focus. While it can refer to the literal act of applying eye paint, its deeper significance lies in the contrast it presents. It represents the glorious and valuable beauty of God's restorative work and the materials consecrated for His house (Isaiah 54:11; 1 Chronicles 29:2). Conversely, it illustrates the futility of human attempts to use external adornment to mask internal decay and judgment Jeremiah 4:30.
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