Eye

(Heb. ‘ain, meaning “flowing”), applied (1) to a fountain, frequently; (2) to colour (Num. 11:7; R.V., “appearance,” marg. “eye”); (3) the face (Ex. 10:5, 15; Num. 22:5, 11), in Num. 14:14, “face to face” (R.V. marg., “eye to eye”). “Between the eyes”, i.e., the forehead (Ex. 13:9, 16).

The expression (Prov. 23:31), “when it giveth his colour in the cup,” is literally, “when it giveth out [or showeth] its eye.” The beads or bubbles of wine are thus spoken of. “To set the eyes” on any one is to view him with favour (Gen. 44:21; Job 24:23; Jer. 39:12). This word is used figuratively in the expressions an “evil eye” (Matt. 20:15), a “bountiful eye” (Prov. 22:9), “haughty eyes” (6:17 marg.), “wanton eyes” (Isa. 3:16), “eyes full of adultery” (2 Pet. 2:14), “the lust of the eyes” (1 John 2:16). Christians are warned against “eye-service” (Eph. 6:6; Col. 3:22). Men were sometimes punished by having their eyes put out (1 Sam. 11:2; Samson, Judg. 16:21; Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25:7).

The custom of painting the eyes is alluded to in 2 Kings 9:30, R.V.; Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40, a custom which still prevails extensively among Eastern women.

i (`ayin; ophthalmos):

(1) The physical organ of sight, "the lamp of the body" (Mt 6:22), one of the chief channels of information for man. A cruel custom therefore sanctioned among heathen nations the putting out of the eyes of an enemy or a rival, because thus his power was most effectually shattered (Jud 16:21; 2Ki 25:7; Jer 39:7). Such blinding or putting out of the "right eye" was also considered a deep humiliation, as it robbed the victim of his beauty, and made him unfit to take his part in war (1Sa 11:2; Zec 11:17).

The eye, to be useful, was to be "single," i.e. not giving a double or uncertain vision (Mt 6:22; Lu 11:34). Eyes may grow dim with sorrow and tears (Job 17:7), they may "waste away with griefs" (Ps 6:7; 31:9; 88:9). They may "pour down" (La 3:49), "run down with water" (La 1:16; 3:48). Eyes may "wink" in derision (Ps 35:19; Pr 6:13; 10:10; compare also Pr 16:30; 30:17), and the harlot takes the lustling "with her eyelids" (Pr 6:25). To `lift up the eyes' (Ge 13:10 et passim) means to look up or around for information and often for help; to `turn away the eye' or `hide the eyes' indicates carelessness and lack of sympathy (Pr 28:27); to `cast about the eyes,' so that they "are in the ends of the earth" (Pr 17:24) is synonymous with the silly curiosity of a fool, and with the lack of attention of him who is everywhere but at his work. In the execution of justice the "eye shall not pity," i.e. not be deflected from the dictates of the law by favorable or unfavorable impressions (De 19:13 et passim), nor spare (Eze 5:11 et passim), and the lexicon talionis demanded "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot" (Ex 21:24; De 19:21).

(2) Figurative: The eye of the heart or mind, the organ of spiritual perception, which may be enlightened or opened (Ps 119:18). This is done by the law of God (19:8) or by the spirit of God (Eph 1:18), or it may be "darkened" and "holden" (Lu 24:16; compare Mt 13:13; 2Co 4:4).

(3) The eye as an index of the mind and disposition of man. The Bible speaks of the "good" margin, or "bountiful" eye, i.e. the kindly, disposition (Pr 22:9); of "proud", "haughty", "lofty eyes" (Ps 18:27; 131:1; Pr 6:17); of the "lowly eyes" of the humble (Job 22:29 margin; compare also Lu 18:13); of "adulterous eyes", "eyes which play the harlot" (Eze 6:9, in the sense of idolatrous inclinations; 2Pe 2:14). Rage or anger is shown by the "sharpening" of the eyes (Job 16:9).

(4) The eyes of God, as well as the "seven eyes" of the Lamb (Re 5:6) and the `many eyes' of the four living creatures of the Apocalypse (Re 4:6; also Eze 1:18; 10:12) are figurative expressions for the omniscience of God (compare Heb 4:13; Ps 139:16) and of His watchfulness and loving care (Jer 32:19). As the human eye may, with the slightest glance or motion, give an indication, a command, so God is able to "guide" or "counsel" His obedient child "with his eye" (Ps 32:8).

(5) Three Hebrew expressions are translated by "apple of the eye":

(a) 'ishon, literally, "the little man," which probably means the "pupil of the eye," it being the part of the eye in which the close onlooker may see his image reflected en miniature. Several oriental languages have very similar expressions (De 32:10; Ps 17:8; Pr 7:2).

(b) babhah, literally, "the gate of the eye" (Zec 2:8).

(c) bath-`ayin, literally, "the daughter of the eye" (Ps 17:8; La 2:18).

All these three phrases seem to indicate the pupil rather than the "apple of the eye," and designate the most sensitive part of the eye, which we protect with the greatest care. Thus the Scriptures declare, for our great comfort, that God will protect and care for those that are His own.

To eye (`awan, "to watch closely," "to look maliciously at"): "Saul eyed David from that day and forward" (1Sa 18:9).

See ENVY; EVIL EYE.

H. L. E. Luering

• → ANTHROPOMORPHIC USES OF Ps 33:18,19; 34:15; 121:3-5; Isa 1:15; 3:8; Am 9:8; Hab 1:13; 1Pe 3:12
  • For additional anthropomorphic uses of
• See ANTHROPOMORPHISMS
• → FIGURATIVE
  • Of evil desire, never satisfied Pr 27:20; Ec 1:8; 1Jo 2:16
  • The offending Mt 5:29