Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "brow" refers to the forehead or the prominent ridge over the eyes. It is often used metaphorically to convey expressions of emotion, character, or divine interaction. The brow is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing strength, determination, and sometimes defiance.
Old Testament References1.
Ezekiel 3:8-9: In this passage, God speaks to the prophet Ezekiel, saying, "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 looks, though they are a rebellious house." Here, the "brow" or "forehead" symbolizes resilience and steadfastness in the face of opposition. God equips Ezekiel with the strength to confront the rebellious Israelites, emphasizing the prophet's divine empowerment.
2.
Isaiah 48:4: The prophet Isaiah conveys God's message to Israel, stating, "Because I knew that you are stubborn, and your neck is iron, and your forehead is bronze." The "brow" in this context represents obstinacy and resistance to divine instruction. The imagery of a bronze forehead underscores the people's hardened hearts and unwillingness to heed God's commands.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not explicitly mention the "brow" in the same metaphorical sense as the Old Testament, the concept of the forehead remains significant in biblical symbolism. The Book of Revelation, for instance, speaks of marks on the forehead as signs of allegiance, either to God or to the beast (
Revelation 13:16-17; 14:1).
Symbolism and InterpretationIn biblical symbolism, the brow often represents the seat of thought, will, and determination. A hardened brow can indicate stubbornness or defiance against God, while a strong brow can signify courage and divine fortitude. The imagery of the brow is used to convey the inner spiritual state of individuals or groups, reflecting their relationship with God.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern cultures, the forehead was considered a significant part of the body, often associated with identity and character. The practice of marking the forehead, whether through anointing, tattooing, or other means, was common in various religious and cultural rituals. This cultural understanding provides a backdrop for the biblical use of "brow" as a symbol of spiritual and moral attributes.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the concept of the brow in Scripture underscores the importance of inner strength and resolve in the life of faith. Believers are called to have a "forehead like flint," demonstrating unwavering commitment to God's truth and commands. At the same time, the warnings against a hardened brow serve as a caution against pride and rebellion, urging individuals to remain open to divine guidance and correction.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The prominent ridge over the eye, with the hair that covers it, forming an arch above the orbit.
2. (n.) The hair that covers the brow (ridge over the eyes); the eyebrow.
3. (n.) The forehead; as, a feverish brow.
4. (n.) The general air of the countenance.
5. (n.) The edge or projecting upper part of a steep place; as, the brow of a precipice; the brow of a hill.
6. (v. t.) To bound to limit; to be at, or form, the edge of.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BROWbrou: Is found in Isaiah 48:4, "thy brow brass" as the translation of metsch, meaning "to be clear," i.e. conspicuous. In Luke 4:29 "led him unto the brow of the hill" is the rendering of ophras, literally "the eyebrow," but used throughout Greek literature as any prominent point or projection of land (compare use of supercilium in Verg. Georg. i.108).
Greek
3790. ophrus -- an eyebrow ... an eyebrow. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ophrus Phonetic Spelling:
(of-roos') Short Definition: the
brow, a ridge Definition: the
brow, a
... 1238. diadema -- a diadem, a crown
... diadem. 1238 -- properly, a crown: "a narrow filet encircling the brow,"
a "kingly ornament for the head" (R. Trench, 78). 1238 ...
Strong's Hebrew
4696. metsach -- brow, forehead... 4695, 4696. metsach. 4697 .
brow, forehead. Transliteration: metsach Phonetic
Spelling: (may'-tsakh) Short Definition: forehead.
... brow, forehead, impudent.
... 5869. ayin -- an eye
... of the landscape) -- affliction, outward appearance, + before, + think best, colour,
conceit, + be content, countenance, + displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight ...
Library
A Halo Rests Upon Thy Brow,
... SECOND ADVENT III A halo rests upon Thy brow,. 8,8,8,8. A halo rests upon Thy brow,.
O Saviour of the sons of men; For Thou art crowned a Victor now;". ...
Confirmation 369. The Cross is on Our Brow
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES Confirmation 369. The cross is on our brow. SM [1415]St. ...
William C. Dix, 1869. The cross is on our brow,. Redemption's awful sign: ...
Olive's Brow. LM Christ in Gethsemane.
... 117 Olive's Brow. ... 'Tis midnight; and on Olive's brow The star is dimmed that lately
shone; 'Tis midnight; in the garden, now, The suffering Savior prays alone. ...
Explanation of the Phrase: "For I Delight in the Law of God after ...
... sentence by the most just Judge: "Cursed is the ground in thy works; thorns and
thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and in the sweat of thy brow shalt thou ...
I am Told, to Take Another Point, that one of his Followers ...
... Why should he knit his brow and draw in and wrinkle up his nostrils, and weigh out
his hollow words, and simulate among the common crowd a sanctity which his ...
Introduction.
... She not only cools the heated brow, cheers the drooping heart, and strews life's
pathway with flowers of peace, but she deals with man's eternal destiny. ...
Heaven and Hell
... to toil no longer. He scarcely ever eats a mouthful of bread that is not
moistened with the sweat of his brow. Often he comes home ...
I Brought My Merits to the Throne,
... I said, "O Lord, Thy servant own,. And let his brow the garland wear; ... IV. I saw His
pierc??d hands and side,. I saw the thorn-wounds on His brow,". ...
Earth's Crown.
... Could Earth no other garland find. With which to deck his holy brow? Was he a King? ...
To feel that every thing adorns. My brow, if Jesus wore the same. ...
The Old Earth.
... Mother EARTH is wan and pale, Her face is wrinkled sore; Her locks are blanched,
her heart is cold, Her garments stiff with gore; With furrowed brow and dim ...
Thesaurus
Brow (24 Occurrences)... orbit. 2. (n.) The hair that covers the
brow (ridge over the eyes); the
eyebrow. 3. (n.) The forehead; as, a feverish
brow. 4. (n
...Blush (16 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 3:3 So the showers have been kept back, and there has been no spring rain;
still your brow is the brow of a loose woman, you will not let yourself be ...
Brazen (42 Occurrences)
... It becomes a symbol, therefore, of hardness, obstinacy, insensibility, in sin, as
"brow of brass" (Isaiah 48:4); "they are brass and iron" (Jeremiah 6:28, of ...
Leper (34 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 13:42 But if, on his head or on his brow, where he has no hair, there
is a red and white place, it is the disease of the leper coming out on his head ...
Disease (213 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 13:42 But if, on his head or on his brow, where he has no hair, there
is a red and white place, it is the disease of the leper coming out on his head ...
Broughtest (17 Occurrences)
Brown (5 Occurrences)
Responsible (242 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:38 And it will be over Aaron's brow, so that Aaron will be responsible
for any error in all the holy offerings made by the children of Israel; it ...
Error (90 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:38 And it will be over Aaron's brow, so that Aaron will be responsible
for any error in all the holy offerings made by the children of Israel; it ...
Offerings (480 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:38 And it will be over Aaron's brow, so that Aaron will be responsible
for any error in all the holy offerings made by the children of Israel; it ...
Resources
Is “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong for a woman to get an epidural and/or other pain relievers during childbirth? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God need us? | GotQuestions.orgBrow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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