Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "brows" refers to the forehead or the area above the eyes. This term is often used metaphorically to convey expressions of emotion, character, or divine interaction. The concept of the brow is significant in various scriptural contexts, symbolizing strength, determination, and divine marking.
Symbol of Strength and DeterminationThe brow is frequently associated with strength and determination. In
Ezekiel 3:8-9 , God tells the prophet, "Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. I have made your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed by their faces, though they are a rebellious house." Here, the hardening of Ezekiel's brow symbolizes the fortitude and resilience required to confront a rebellious people. The imagery of a hardened brow underscores the prophet's divine empowerment to withstand opposition.
Divine Marking and ProtectionThe brow also serves as a location for divine marking, signifying protection and belonging to God. In
Ezekiel 9:4 , the Lord instructs a man clothed in linen to "pass throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there." This mark on the brow distinguishes the righteous from the wicked, offering them protection from impending judgment. The marked brow becomes a symbol of divine favor and separation unto God.
Expressions of Emotion and CharacterThe brow can also reflect human emotions and character traits. In
Genesis 4:5-6 , after God rejects Cain's offering, it is noted, "So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?'" The fallen countenance, which includes the brow, indicates Cain's inner turmoil and displeasure. This passage highlights how the brow can mirror one's emotional state and moral disposition.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern culture, the brow was often adorned or marked to convey status, identity, or religious affiliation. While the Bible does not explicitly detail such practices, the significance of the brow in biblical texts may reflect broader cultural understandings of the forehead as a prominent and expressive part of the human face.
ConclusionThe concept of the brow in the Bible is rich with symbolic meaning, representing strength, divine protection, and the reflection of inner emotions. Through various scriptural references, the brow emerges as a significant element in understanding human interaction with the divine and the expression of character and emotion.
Strong's Hebrew
1354. gab -- a back... back, body, boss, eminent (higher) place, (eye)
brows, nave, ring. see HEBREW gev.
see HEBREW guwph. 1353, 1354. gab. 1355 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Low BeetlingBrows, -- a Sensual, Cruel Mouth with a Loosely...
... IX. Low beetlingbrows, " a sensual, cruel mouth with a loosely projecting
under-lip? Low beetlingbrows,"a sensual, cruel...
The Image of Jealousy
... I do not care to see"Philadelphus.". She lifted herbrows. He answered the implied
question.... The Maccabee'sbrows dropped while he gazed down at the Greek....
'Concerning the Crown'
... olive branches for the victors in the games; while the laurel was 'the meed of mighty
conquerors'; and plaited oak leaves were laid upon thebrows of citizens...
Are, Then, the Divine Bodies Free from These Deformities? and...
... We should therefore say that some have big heads, prominentbrows, broadbrows,
thick lips; that others of them have long chins, moles, and high noses; that...
Prolegomena.
... to come some dauber dashing off his pictures on the spur of the moment, who should
find fault with the artistic picture, lengthen the lines ofbrows and lids...
A Life Lost and Found [Footnote: Preached after the Funeral of Mr....
... It is not only the martyr on whose bleedingbrows the crown of life is gently placed;
it is not only the temples that have been torn by the crown of thorns...
On the First Floor of an Ancient Mansion, in a Street which Slopes...
... Since Agostino preached,"" here he paused, and a dark contraction knitted his
brows,""Let me see!"this morning, yes!"this morning I receive the English...
The Son of the Murket
... Hotep lifted hisbrows, as though he exclaimed to himself, and made no answer.... Menes'
blackbrows knitted at Siptah, but Kenkenes came to the rescue....
That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian...
... He jumped to his feet, black eyes flashing under heavybrows, and, seizing a lance,
broke the slave's arm with a blow and drove him out of the chamber....
Society Soon Learned the News of the Countess Hermenstein's...
... Moretti knitted his darkbrows.... "Child, you talk as a very wise man might!" said
Prince Sovrani, his ruggedbrows smoothing into a kindly smile....
Thesaurus
Brows (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Brows (10 Occurrences). Revelation 7:4 And there
came to my ears the number of those who had the mark on
...Eye-brows (1 Occurrence)
Eye-brows. Eyebrows, Eye-brows. Eyed . Multi-Version Concordance
Eye-brows (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 14:9 But it shall...
Brown (5 Occurrences)
Marked (163 Occurrences)
... Revelation 7:4 And there came to my ears the number of those who had the mark on
theirbrows, a hundred and forty-four thousand, who were marked out of every...
Glances (2 Occurrences)
... Glances (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 30:13 There is a generation, O how full of pride
are their eyes! O how theirbrows are lifted up! (See NIV)....
Eyed (3 Occurrences)
Eyebrows (1 Occurrence)
Disdainful (1 Occurrence)
... Disdainful (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 30:13 There is a generation, O how full of pride
are their eyes! O how theirbrows are lifted up! (See NIV)....
Browse (2 Occurrences)
Cuts (20 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 14:1 You are the children of the Lord your God: you are not to make
cuts on your bodies or take off the hair on yourbrows in honour of the dead...
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