שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת
swarthy
Definition
The Hebrew word שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת (shᵉcharchôreth) describes a dark or swarthy complexion. It is a feminine noun derived from a root meaning 'to be black' or 'dark.' In its sole biblical occurrence in Song of Solomon 1:6, it describes the speaker's sun-darkened skin from working outdoors. The term carries a neutral or descriptive tone regarding physical appearance, not necessarily negative. It contrasts with a pale or sheltered complexion, indicating exposure to the elements.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Song of Solomon 1:6. The female speaker says, 'Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me.' The context is poetic and personal, explaining her appearance as a result of vineyard labor. There is no other usage pattern, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).
Etymology
Derived from the root שָׁחַר (shachar, H7835), meaning 'to be black' or 'to seek earnestly' (as in the dawn, which is dark). The reduplicated form (שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת) intensifies the meaning, indicating a deep blackness or darkness. It is related to words for dawn (שַׁחַר, shachar) and ink (דְּיוֹ, but conceptually linked to darkness).
Semantic Range
While the word itself is descriptive, its use in Song of Solomon 1:6 touches on themes of human dignity, labor, and beauty within the covenant community. The speaker's darkened skin is not a mark of shame but a result of faithful work, which her beloved still finds desirable. This subtly challenges superficial judgments and aligns with a biblical view that values character and devotion over mere outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a dark, sun-tanned skin often indicated someone who worked outdoors, such as a laborer or shepherd, while a lighter complexion could signify a life of leisure and indoor privilege. The speaker's explanation in Song of Solomon reflects this social reality. Her 'darkness' was likely seen as a mark of lower social status, but the Song poetically revalues it as part of her story and appeal.
שָׁחֹר (shachor, H7838) — the basic adjective for 'black,' used for hair (Leviticus 13:31) or horses (Zechariah 6:2). שְׁחוֹר (shᵉchor, H7838) — variant form meaning 'black.' כָּחֹל (kachol, H3544) — describes a dark blue or violet color, used for dyed materials (Jeremiah 10:9), not skin.
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.
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