כָּחַל
𐤊𐤇𐤋
kâchal
H3583 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To apply mineral-based eye cosmetic or eye paint (particularly powdered antimony or stibium) to the eyes or eyelids, typically for ornamental, cosmetic, or medicinal purposes. In biblical usage, the verb refers specifically to the action of enhancing the appearance of the eyes by darkening the eyelids or lashes.
Semantic Range
to apply stibium (antimony) to the eyes, to paint or ornament the eyes, to use eye cosmetics; by extension, to beautify or adorn (the eyes) for ornamental or seductive effect
Root / Etymology
Root: כחַל (k-ḥ-l). The root conveys the sense of applying, coloring, or painting with powder or mineral substances. The verb כָּחַל is directly from this root and denotes the act of applying cosmetic pigment, especially to the eyes.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the biblical context, כָּחַל refers to the practice of eye painting which was widespread in the ancient Near East, especially among women but also occasionally by men for ritual or medicinal reasons. The primary material used for this purpose was a dark powder known as stibium or antimony, which was applied both as an adornment and possibly for eye health. References (such as 2 Kings 9:30 or Jeremiah 4:30) use the term in contexts highlighting cosmetic preparation, especially for ceremonial or seductive purposes, often indicating wealth or effort at personal enhancement. This practice continued through the monarchic into the exilic period and is attested archaeologically. It is not to be confused with general painting or dyeing verbs like צָבַע or צָבַע, which refer to broader coloring activities. Later translation traditions sometimes rendered כָּחַל as 'to paint the face' or 'to decorate,' and in English translations as 'to paint the eyes,' but these can obscure that the action described specifically targeted the eyelids and was not a general cosmetic application.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to paint (with stibium); paint.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כחל (k-ḥ-l) — apply powder, paint, darken
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3583-01 |
כָּחַ֥לְתְּ | kachalete | HVqp2fs |
you painted | you applied eye-paint | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3583-01 |
Ezekiel 23:40 | כָּחַ֥לְתְּ | kachalete | HVqp2fs |
you painted | you applied eye-paint |