תַּמְרוּק (tam.ruq)
tam.ruq
cosmetic
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tamruq refers to a cosmetic preparation, specifically one created by scraping or rubbing ingredients together. Its root sense involves the physical act of grinding or mixing substances, which results in a paste or ointment used for beautification or care.
While most commonly associated with adornment, particularly in the book of Esther where queens and maidens use such preparations to enhance their appearance, the word also carries a secondary meaning as a remedy for injury. This dual usage highlights its practical origin: the same process that makes a face glow can also soothe a wound.
Translators often render it simply as "cosmetics" or "perfumes," though this captures only part of its range. The term points to the material result of labor—scraped herbs or mixed oils—rather than just the abstract concept of beauty. In Proverbs, it appears in contexts warning against relying on such external enhancements, grounding the word in a tangible, everyday reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tamruq describes a paste or ointment made by grinding ingredients together. In Esther, it refers to the beauty preparations used by women in the king’s court. These substances were part of their daily routine, meant to enhance their appearance before entering the royal presence.
Yet this same root also appears in Proverbs 20:30, where physical discipline is described using language related to cleansing or scouring. The connection suggests that what we use for external care can also point to internal renewal. Beauty treatments and healing remedies both involve applying something tangible to the body.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that God cares about our whole selves—our outward appearance and our inner character. We need not reject the material world but bring it into service of holiness. Whether in beauty or in pain, we seek restoration through Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rubbings/ their1×
- rubbings/ her1×
- and/ with/ [the] rubbings of1×
- [are] a cleansing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּמְרוּקֶ֤י/הָ1×
- תַּמְרוּקֵי/הֶֽן\׃1×
- תַּמְר֣וּק1×
- וּ/בְ/תַמְרוּקֵ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 2:3
Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women’s house, to the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them;
This verse introduces tamruq as a provision for the virgins, showing how external preparation was part of their transition into the king's presence.
-
Esther 2:12
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women).
Here the word appears in the context of twelve months of purification, highlighting the extensive effort invested in physical adornment during this season.
-
Proverbs 20:30
Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.
The same root is used metaphorically here to describe how suffering can cleanse the inner person, linking physical treatment with spiritual purification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tamruq mean in the Bible?
Why is this word used in both Esther and Proverbs?
How does this word relate to Christian living today?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Esther 3 verses
Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful…
Esther 2:9The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and…
Esther 2:12Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days…