Jeremiah 4:30

Jeremiah 4:30. Though thou rentest thy face with painting— See 2 Kings 9:30. The prophet here carries on the idea wherewith he began, describing Jerusalem under the figure of a harlot, dressing herself up to captivate lovers. See Ezekiel 16:15; Ezekiel 16:63. Houbigant renders the verse, And thou, when about to be spoiled, what will it profit thee to put on purple, to deck thyself with golden ornaments, to enlarge thine eyes with paint [black lead, or stibium]? In vain wilt thou make thyself fair; for all thy lovers despise thee, and seek thy life.