Bible Dictionary
EYESALVE
A medicinal eye powder or salve associated with Phrygia and Laodicea. In Revelation 3:18 it figuratively represents the spiritual sight needed to recognize one’s true condition.
Definition
Eyesalve is an eye powder or medicinal salve used for restoring or improving sight. In its biblical setting, the term carries both its ordinary medical sense and a figurative meaning.
Biblical Usage
In Revelation, eyesalve represents the restoration of spiritual vision. The image calls for recognition of one’s true condition through restored sight.
Historical Background
The eyesalve was associated with Phrygia, and the medical school of Laodicea seems to have been famous for it. Galen mentions a Phrygian powder of this kind.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>i'-sav (kollourion; collyrium; Re 3:18):</p><p>A Phrygian powder mentioned by Galen, for which the medical school of Laodicea seems to have been famous (see Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia), but the figurative reference is to the restoring of spiritual vision.</p>