In the biblical context, the "brow" is often understood as the forehead or the area above the eyes. While the term "brow" itself is not frequently used in many English translations of the Bible, the concept and significance of the forehead are present throughout Scripture. The brow, as part of the face, holds symbolic meaning in various passages, often representing identity, character, and divine interaction.

Symbolism and Significance

1. Mark of Identity and Protection: In Ezekiel 9:4, the Lord instructs a man clothed in linen to "put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed in it." This mark on the forehead serves as a sign of protection and identification for those who are faithful to God amidst widespread sin and idolatry.

2. Divine Ownership and Blessing: The forehead is also a place where God's ownership and blessing are signified. Revelation 7:3 states, "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." This sealing on the forehead indicates divine protection and belonging to God, marking the faithful as His own.

3. Symbol of Stubbornness and Rebellion: Conversely, the brow can symbolize stubbornness and rebellion against God. In Isaiah 48:4, God describes Israel's obstinacy: "For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze." Here, the hardened forehead represents a refusal to submit to God's will and a resistance to His guidance.

4. Expression of Emotion and Intent: The brow, as part of the face, is also associated with the expression of emotions and intentions. In biblical narratives, the face, including the brow, often reflects one's inner state. For example, in Genesis 4:5-6, when Cain's offering is not regarded by God, his countenance falls, indicating his anger and resentment.

5. Priestly and Royal Significance: The forehead holds particular significance in the context of priestly and royal roles. In Exodus 28:36-38, the high priest is instructed to wear a gold plate on his forehead inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD." This signifies the consecration and dedication of the priest to God's service, with the forehead being a visible sign of holiness and divine appointment.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the forehead was often seen as a place of honor and authority. The practice of marking or adorning the forehead was not uncommon, serving as a sign of allegiance, status, or religious devotion. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical use of the forehead as a symbol of identity and spiritual significance.

Conclusion

The brow, as part of the eye and face, carries deep symbolic meaning in Scripture. It represents identity, divine protection, and spiritual condition, serving as a visible marker of one's relationship with God. Through various biblical passages, the brow is depicted as a place of blessing, rebellion, and consecration, reflecting the broader themes of faithfulness and divine interaction in the biblical narrative.Leviticus 14:9
But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... Worthies of old time who are mentioned with distinct ... to an ideal than an historical
origin: parts of Scripture ... before unpolluted; who dims the eye, and deadens ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... have, let us now survey the different parts in their ... ran over, a longer still met
the eye; nay, lofty ... that he has done shall not be mentioned." "Again, when ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... is digested, before its chill can attack the vital parts. ... only the more important
trees are mentioned; and then ... when observed by an intelligent eye, serves to ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
... A wound in the eye, because the most sensitive and ... The Temple was divided into two
parts: one part ... that Holy of Holies, though the things mentioned above were ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 8 on our lords.htm

Letter Lxix. To Oceanus.
... out the mote out of thy brother's eye." [2032] Truly ... an imperial rescript such as
I have mentioned, the decrees ... a fountain in the midst of it parts into four ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxix to oceanus.htm

To those who had not Attended the Assembly.
... 751] receive a blow in the vital parts, sustaining greater ... be ready to confer that
benefit already mentioned upon him ... man, who, when the law commanded eye to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to those who had not.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... them with persons of the same name mentioned in other ... quotations in this with the
other parts of the ... who, even to the spiritually unenlightened eye, must have ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... amongst us, in whom some of these mentioned stir not ... and gains without, others their
own gifts and parts within, but ... nay, but we must have it, and eye it, else ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv who walk not.htm

Heavenly Worship
... allowed to look within the vail which parts us from ... it were carried out in your
experience""Mine eye shall see ... We have mentioned here two or three times the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly worship.htm

Book I.
... astrology, arithmetic, music, which are also parts of philosophy ... be done with modesty,
and with no eye to witness ... I have mentioned this to show the character of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Is there such a thing as the evil eye? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said, “the eye is the lamp of the body” (Matthew 6:22)? | GotQuestions.org

Eye: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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