שָׁחַר

to be dim or dark (in color)

Definition

The Hebrew verb שָׁחַר (shâchar) primarily means 'to be dark' or 'to be black' in color. It describes a state of darkness or duskiness, often in a figurative sense. In its single biblical occurrence in Job 30:30, it poetically describes the speaker's skin as having become 'black' from affliction and disease, conveying a sense of physical decay and mourning. The word is etymologically linked to the dawn (שַׁחַר, shachar, H7837), sharing the concept of the dim, dusky light of early morning, which can extend to a general sense of gloom or darkness.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in the poetic book of Job. It appears in Job 30:30, where Job laments his suffering, saying, 'My skin is black upon me' (KJV). Here, it is used in a metaphorical context to describe the physical effects of his intense affliction and grief, painting a vivid picture of his deteriorated condition. There are no other usage patterns, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).

Etymology

שָׁחַר (shâchar, H7835) is a primitive root. It is identical in form to שָׁחַר (shâchar, H7836), meaning 'to seek early or diligently,' and is directly related to the noun שַׁחַר (shachar, H7837), meaning 'dawn' or 'morning.' The core idea connects the duskiness of the pre-dawn sky to the concept of darkness or blackness. This semantic link shows how the Hebrew language often derived color terms from natural phenomena.

Semantic Range

While used only once, this word in Job 30:30 contributes significantly to the book's theology of suffering. Job's 'black' skin is a powerful, physical symbol of his profound anguish and the perceived abandonment by God. It enriches the reading by grounding his existential and theological complaints in a visceral, bodily reality, emphasizing the holistic nature of human suffering that affects both body and spirit. Understanding this Hebrew term deepens the emotional and symbolic weight of Job's lament.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, changes in skin color were often associated with severe illness, mourning, or divine judgment. The description of skin turning 'black' (שָׁחַר) would immediately signal to an ancient audience a state of being under a curse, in deep despair, or afflicted by a terrible disease. This differs from some modern readings that might overlook the severe cultural stigma and symbolic weight such a physical change carried.

קָדַר (qadar, H6937) — to be dark, mourn; often used for darkening of the sky or face in mourning. אָפֵל (aphel, H651) — darkness, gloom; more about the absence of light than color. שָׁחֹר (shachor, H7838) — the adjective 'black'; describes the color itself rather than the process of becoming dark.

Word Details

Scripture References