אַדְמֹנִי
reddish (of the hair or the complexion)
Definition
The Hebrew word אַדְמֹנִי (ʼadmônîy) is an adjective meaning 'reddish' or 'ruddy,' primarily describing hair color or skin complexion. In Genesis 25:25, it describes Esau at birth as 'red' (אַדְמֹנִי), alluding to his hairy, reddish appearance. In 1 Samuel 16:12, it depicts young David as having a 'ruddy' complexion with beautiful eyes, suggesting a healthy, youthful vigor. In 1 Samuel 17:42, Goliath contemptuously views David as merely 'ruddy' and of a fair appearance, highlighting David's seemingly unimpressive and youthful look compared to a warrior.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, always as a physical descriptor. It appears in narrative contexts within Genesis and 1 Samuel. In Genesis 25:25, it describes Esau's distinctive appearance from birth. In 1 Samuel, it is used twice to describe David—first positively by the narrator (1 Samuel 16:12) and then dismissively by his enemy Goliath (1 Samuel 17:42). The usage consistently relates to human appearance, not objects.
Etymology
Derived from the root אָדַם (ʼādam, H119), meaning 'to be red' or 'red.' This root is also the source for words like אָדָם (ʼādām, 'man,' 'Adam'), אֲדָמָה (ʼădāmâ, 'ground,' 'earth'), and the color name אָדֹם (ʼādōm, 'red'). The adjective אַדְמֹנִי specifically denotes a reddish hue applied to a person.
Semantic Range
While primarily a physical descriptor, the word's connection to the root for 'red' and 'man/earth' (אָדַם) can evoke thematic links. Esau's 'reddish' appearance (Genesis 25:25) foreshadows his name 'Edom' (related to 'red') and his later trade of his birthright for 'red stew' (Genesis 25:30), tying his identity to this color. For David, his 'ruddy' appearance (1 Samuel 16:12) contrasts with outward expectations of a king, emphasizing God's choice based on the heart. The word subtly connects human physicality to broader biblical themes of identity, covenant, and God's unexpected choices.
In the ancient Near East, a 'ruddy' complexion likely indicated someone who spent time outdoors, possibly a shepherd like David, and was associated with health and vitality. It was a noticeable and descriptive physical trait. The description of Esau at birth as 'red' and hairy was highly unusual and marked him as distinct, potentially signaling his rough, outdoors-oriented character which contrasted with his brother Jacob.
אָדֹם (ʼādōm, H122) — The basic color 'red,' used for objects like animals (Numbers 19:2) or clothing (Isaiah 63:2), not typically for human complexion. שָׁנִי (shānî, H8144) — 'Scarlet' or 'crimson,' a specific dye or color of fabric, often with ceremonial or symbolic significance (e.g., Joshua 2:18, Isaiah 1:18).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →