The Bible focuses primarily on spiritual and moral teachings rather than providing detailed accounts of cosmetic practices. The use of cosmetics in ancient times, including those mentioned in the Bible, may have had cultural, religious, or symbolic significance, but it is not extensively elaborated.
Therefore, you may not find any verses if you read the Bible looking for mentions of makeup as we know it, such as lipstick, eye shadow, etc.
Bible Verses that Mention Cosmetics
2 Kings 9:30
“When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. She painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window.”
Esther 2:12
“Before a young woman’s turn came to go into King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.”
Song of Solomon 4:10
“How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!”
Jeremiah 4:30
“And when you are devastated, what will you do? Though you dress in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, though you highlight your eyes with makeup, you beautify yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they want to take your life.”
Ezekiel 23:40
“They even sent for men from far away, to whom a messenger was sent; and behold, they came—men for whom you bathed, painted your eyes, and adorned yourselves with ornaments.”
Ruth 3:3
“Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.”
1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NIV)
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Song of Solomon 1:3
“Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.”
Exodus 30:35
“You shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.”
Proverbs 27:9
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
Luke 7:37-38
“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.”
Revelation 5:8
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”
Popular Questions about the Bible’s Mention of Makeup and Cosmetics
Is makeup mentioned in the Bible?
It mentions the use of various beauty products and practices in the context of ancient cultures, such as perfumes and ointments.
Are there any verses that discourage the use of makeup?
The Bible has verses that emphasize inner beauty and the importance of a gentle and quiet spirit over external adornment. For example, 1 Peter 3:3-4 does not directly address makeup. It highlights the value of inner qualities over external appearance.
Can Christians wear makeup?
The use of makeup is a matter of personal choice and cultural norms. Many Christians wear makeup without any religious restrictions. However, some individuals or denominations may have specific beliefs or guidelines regarding modesty and adornment. Therefore, consider personal convictions and cultural contexts.
Are there biblical principles related to modesty and adornment?
Yes, the Bible does contain principles related to modesty and adornment. For example, 1 Timothy 2:9-10 advises women to dress modestly, with decency and self-control, and not to focus solely on outward adornment. The emphasis is on a balanced approach to clothing and appearance.
Conclusion
There are references to makeup, cosmetics, and the art of beautification in the Bible. While makeup may seem like a modern indulgence, its presence in the Bible is a testament to the timeless human desire to adorn oneself, to express individuality, and to enhance appearance.
Beyond the physical, the Bible’s teachings on inner beauty and the importance of a virtuous character show that true beauty transcends the superficial.
