The eye of the Bible.
It is often said that the eyes are the window to the soul. The same is certainly true in the Bible. Scripture is full of fascinating phrases where ayin (עין) the Hebrew word for "eye" is used to refer to something deeper. Let’s delve into the eye of the bible…
The Biblical Concept of the Eyes The Bible is full of eyes. In many instances, the Hebrew word ayin עין meaning “eye” refers to the physical organ on our faces. But just as frequently, the word “eye” stands for a deeper feature of one’s character. This is because in the world of ancient Israel the eyes were regarded as a sign of one’s genuine character.
What is behind the eyes?
Let’s see a few examples:
• The Bible warns against displaying an ayin ra’ah “evil eye” towards the needy – resentfully withholding assistance (Deut. 28:54).
• Behaving mercifully or having pity is having a “sparing eye” חס עין ḥas ayin (Deut. 7:16)
• Eyes can be an indication of lofty arrogance – room einav רוּם עֵינָיו meaning “raised eyes” (Isa. 10:12).
• The opposite is “low eyes” shaḥ einaim שַׁח עֵינַיִם – It is the trait of the humble, whom God will save according to Job 22:29.
Discover the Scripture with Biblical Hebrew
Unfortunately, when you read the Bible in translation you have no idea that all these character traits are based on the “eyes”. This is because the translation has obscured the original Hebrew.
bahmer wrote:
It is often said that the eyes are the window to the soul. The same is certainly true in the Bible. Scripture is full of fascinating phrases where ayin (עין) the Hebrew word for "eye" is used to refer to something deeper. Let’s delve into the eye of the bible…
The Biblical Concept of the Eyes The Bible is full of eyes. In many instances, the Hebrew word ayin עין meaning “eye” refers to the physical organ on our faces. But just as frequently, the word “eye” stands for a deeper feature of one’s character. This is because in the world of ancient Israel the eyes were regarded as a sign of one’s genuine character.
What is behind the eyes?
Let’s see a few examples:
• The Bible warns against displaying an ayin ra’ah “evil eye” towards the needy – resentfully withholding assistance (Deut. 28:54).
• Behaving mercifully or having pity is having a “sparing eye” חס עין ḥas ayin (Deut. 7:16)
• Eyes can be an indication of lofty arrogance – room einav רוּם עֵינָיו meaning “raised eyes” (Isa. 10:12).
• The opposite is “low eyes” shaḥ einaim שַׁח עֵינַיִם – It is the trait of the humble, whom God will save according to Job 22:29.
Discover the Scripture with Biblical Hebrew
Unfortunately, when you read the Bible in translation you have no idea that all these character traits are based on the “eyes”. This is because the translation has obscured the original Hebrew.
It is often said that the eyes are the window to t... (
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Excellent......as always!👍🙂
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