Topical Encyclopedia Antimony is a lustrous gray metalloid, known for its use in ancient times as a cosmetic and in various alloys. In the context of the Bible, antimony is referenced in relation to its use as a cosmetic, particularly for the eyes. The Hebrew term "pukh" is often associated with this element, which was used to create a black powder for eye makeup, known as kohl.Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 9:30 : "When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it. So she painted her eyes, arranged her hair, and looked out of a window." The act of painting the eyes likely involved the use of antimony-based kohl, a common practice among women of the ancient Near East to enhance their appearance. 2. Jeremiah 4:30 : "And you, O devastated one, what will you do? Though you dress in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, you beautify yourself in vain, for your lovers despise you; they seek your life." The phrase "enlarge your eyes with paint" suggests the use of antimony to create a dramatic effect around the eyes, symbolizing attempts at seduction or allure. 3. Ezekiel 23:40 : "Furthermore, they sent for men who came from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and behold, they came. For them you bathed, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with jewelry." This passage again highlights the use of eye paint, likely containing antimony, as part of the preparation for meeting foreign men, indicating its role in personal adornment and possibly in ritualistic or seductive contexts. Historical and Cultural Context: Antimony's use in the ancient world extended beyond cosmetics. It was also employed in metallurgy, where it was alloyed with other metals to create harder materials. However, its most notable application in the biblical context remains its role in cosmetics. The use of kohl, made from ground antimony sulfide, was widespread in Egypt and the surrounding regions, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes, such as reducing glare from the sun and protecting the eyes from infections. The practice of using antimony for eye makeup was not merely a matter of personal vanity but was often imbued with cultural and religious significance. In some cultures, it was believed to ward off evil spirits or the "evil eye," adding a layer of spiritual protection to its cosmetic function. Symbolism and Interpretation: In the biblical narrative, the use of antimony-based eye paint is often associated with themes of seduction, vanity, and idolatry. The prophets frequently used the imagery of painted eyes to critique the moral and spiritual state of Israel, drawing parallels between physical adornment and spiritual infidelity. The emphasis on external beauty, as symbolized by the use of antimony, serves as a metaphor for the inner corruption and unfaithfulness of the people. The conservative Christian interpretation of these passages often underscores the importance of inner beauty and spiritual integrity over outward appearance. The biblical references to antimony, therefore, serve as a caution against placing undue emphasis on physical adornment at the expense of one's relationship with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) An elementary substance, resembling a metal in its appearance and physical properties, but in its chemical relations belonging to the class of nonmetallic substances. Atomic weight, 120. Symbol, Sb.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANTIMONYan'-ti-mo-ni. See COLOR. Strong's Hebrew 6320. puk -- antimony, stibium... 6319, 6320. puk. 6321 . antimony, stibium. Transliteration: puk Phonetic Spelling: (pook) Short Definition: antimony. Word Origin ... /hebrew/6320.htm - 6k 7163a. Qeren Happuk -- "horn of antimony," a daughter of Job 7163. qeren hap-puwk -- "horn of antimony," a daughter of Job Library Some Refinements in Dress and Personal Appearance Lawful, Some ... Apollonius Narrative of Events at Alexandria in the Time of Lucius the Arian ... Letter cxvii. To a Mother and Daughter Living in Gaul. Among the People, and with the Pharisees Letter Liv. To Furia. The World, the Flesh, and the Devil Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4} The Servant of the Lord. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Thesaurus Antimony (2 Occurrences)... Atomic weight, 120. Symbol, Sb. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANTIMONY. an'-ti-mo-ni. See COLOR. Multi-Version Concordance Antimony (2 Occurrences). ... /a/antimony.htm - 7k Kerenhappuch (1 Occurrence) Keren-happuch (1 Occurrence) Butter (10 Occurrences) Color (18 Occurrences) Colors (12 Occurrences) Fair (147 Occurrences) Eyelid Paint (3 Occurrences) Antilogemena Resources Antimony: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Antimony (2 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 29:2 Isaiah 54:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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