Strong's Lexicon shecharchoreth: Blackness, dark complexion Original Word: שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת Word Origin: Derived from the root שָׁחַר (shachar), meaning "to be black" or "to be dark." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent in Strong's Concordance, as the concept of skin color is addressed differently in the Greek New Testament. However, the Greek word μέλας (melas, Strong's G3189) meaning "black" or "dark" can be considered conceptually related. Usage: The term "shecharchoreth" is used to describe a dark or black complexion. It is often associated with a rich, deep color, and in the context of the Bible, it can refer to the natural beauty and dignity of a person with a darker skin tone. The word is used to convey a sense of depth and richness, often in a positive light. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, skin color was often a reflection of one's environment and lifestyle. Those who worked outdoors, such as shepherds or laborers, would naturally have darker skin due to sun exposure. In the Song of Solomon, the term is used to describe the Shulammite woman, highlighting her beauty and the natural, sun-kissed complexion that was admired in her cultural context. This reflects a broader appreciation for diverse expressions of beauty in the biblical world. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shachar Definition blackish NASB Translation swarthy (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׁחַרְחֹר Ges§ 84 b n] adjective blackish (GannJAS 1883, Fev.-Mars. 156. no. 41, compare Israel proper name שׁחרחר on seal = 'le brun'); — feminine שְׁחַרְחֹ֫רֶת Songs 1:6. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance black From shachar; swarthy -- black. see HEBREW shachar Forms and Transliterations שְׁחַרְחֹ֔רֶת שחרחרת šə·ḥar·ḥō·reṯ šəḥarḥōreṯ shecharChoretLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 1:6 HEB: תִּרְא֙וּנִי֙ שֶׁאֲנִ֣י שְׁחַרְחֹ֔רֶת שֶׁשֱּׁזָפַ֖תְנִי הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ NAS: Do not stare at me because I am swarthy, For the sun KJV: Look not upon me, because I [am] black, because the sun INT: stare I swarthy has burned the sun 1 Occurrence |