Forehead

The practice common among Oriental nations of colouring the forehead or impressing on it some distinctive mark as a sign of devotion to some deity is alluded to in Rev. 13:16, 17; 14:9; 17:5; 20:4. The “jewel on thy forehead” mentioned in Ezek. 16:12 (R.V., “a ring upon thy nose”) was in all probability the “nose-ring” (Isa. 3:21). In Ezek. 3:7 the word “impudent” is rightly rendered in the Revised Version “an hard forehead.” (See also ver. 8, 9.)

The practice of veiling the face (forehead) in public for women of the high classes, especially married women, in the East, sufficiently stigmatizes with reproach the unveiled face of women of bad character. (Genesis 24:64; Jeremiah 3:3) The custom among many Oriental nations both of coloring the face and forehead and of impressing on the body marks indicative of devotion to some special deity or religious sect is mentioned elsewhere. The “jewels for the forehead,” mentioned by Ezekiel, (Ezekiel 16:12) and in margin of Authorized Version, (Genesis 24:22) were in all probability nose-rings. (Isaiah 3:21)

FORE'HEAD. Inasmuch as modest women kept the forehead covered with a veil, not to do so was indicative of shamelessness. Jer 3:3. Jewels for the forehead, Eze 16:12, were nose jewels, although at the present day in the East women wear jewels and strings of coins across their foreheads. To mark the forehead with the device of a god denoted the consecration of the intellect unto it. Thus, the mark of the beast was upon the forehead. Rev 13:16. So God's name is upon the saint's forehead. Rev 22:4.

FORE'HEAD. Inasmuch as modest women kept the forehead covered with a veil, not to do so was indicative of shamelessness. Jer 3:3. Jewels for the forehead, Eze 16:12, were nose jewels, although at the present day in the East women wear jewels and strings of coins across their foreheads. To mark the forehead with the device of a god denoted the consecration of the intellect unto it. Thus, the mark of the beast was upon the forehead. Rev 13:16. So God's name is upon the saint's forehead. Rev 22:4.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The front of that part of the head which incloses the brain; that part of the face above the eyes; the brow.

2. The aspect or countenance; assurance. To look with forehead bold and big enough Upon the power and puissance of the king. Shak.

3. The front or fore part of anything. Flames in the forehead of the morning sky. Milton. So rich advantage of a promised glory As smiles upon the forehead of this action. Shak.