Overview
The Bible addresses painting across 5 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Jeremiah, Ezekiel and 2 Kings. Closely related themes include Assyria, Jezebel, Naboth and War. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jehu and Jezebel.
Key Bible verses about painting
Old Testament
Jeremiah
And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.
Ezekiel
And that she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,
And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,
People in the Bible and painting
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying painting for yourself
- Begin with 2 Kings 9:30, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Jeremiah, Ezekiel and 2 Kings each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jehu and Jezebel and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Assyria, Jezebel, Naboth and War.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about painting?
The Bible addresses painting across 5 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Jeremiah, Ezekiel and 2 Kings. Closely related themes include Assyria, Jezebel, Naboth and War. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jehu and Jezebel.
How many Bible verses are about painting?
The Bible references painting in 5 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention painting?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Kings 9:30: “And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with painting?
Jehu and Jezebel.
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