Lexical Summary shachor: Black Original Word: שָׁחֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance black Or shachowr {shaw-khore'}; from shachar; properly, dusky, but also (absol.) Jetty -- black. see HEBREW shachar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shachar Definition black NASB Translation black (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs שָׁחֹר adjective black; — ׳שׁ of hair Leviticus 13:31,37 (P), so feminine plural שְׁחֹרוֺת Songs 5:11; of skin, feminine singular שְׁחוֺרָה Songs 1:5; of horses, masculine plural שְׁחֹרִים Zechariah 6:2,6. Topical Lexicon Concept and Imageryשָׁחֹר conveys the deep, opaque hue we call “black.” Scripture employs the term in literal description—hair, complexion, horses—and also as a poetic and symbolic marker. Within the Hebrew worldview, black is not automatically sinister; it may signal normality, health, vigor, or, in prophetic vision, the sober weight of judgment. Cultic and Levitical Significance (Leviticus 13:31, 37) In the legislation for skin disease, the presence of “black hair” on a suspicious scalp or beard lesion meant the priest could declare the person clean: “But if the priest examines the sore and it appears… that it has produced black hair, the sore has healed; the person is clean” (Leviticus 13:37). The return of natural pigment evidences restored vitality. Here black stands for recovery and reintegration into the covenant community. The passage thus underlines the priestly role as guardian of holiness and public health, a ministry that discerned between true uncleanness (symbolic of sin) and mere appearance. Wisdom and Poetic Literature (Song of Songs 1:5; 5:11) Song of Songs employs שָׁחֹר with evocative tenderness. • The bride: “I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon” (Song of Songs 1:5). The sun-kissed complexion signals industry and humility, yet is celebrated as beautiful. The verse dignifies natural diversity within God’s creation and assures believers that outward marks—whether exalted or humble—do not diminish covenant worth. • The bridegroom: “His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven” (Song of Songs 5:11). The ungrayed hair of the beloved conveys youthful strength and enduring vigor. Christian interpreters often see in the bridegroom a type of Christ; thus the description alludes to the Lord’s undiminished vitality and unwavering faithfulness toward His people. Prophetic Symbolism (Zechariah 6:2, 6) In Zechariah’s eighth vision four chariots emerge between two bronze mountains. The second chariot’s horses are black: “The second chariot had black horses” (Zechariah 6:2). Later the prophet is told, “The chariot with the black horses is going toward the land of the north” (Zechariah 6:6). The mission of these horses is to patrol and to execute divine judgment against oppressive powers, culminating in the proclamation, “My Spirit is at rest in the north country” (verse 8). Black here accents solemn authority and the finality of God’s verdicts upon nations. The same color that signifies normal health in Leviticus becomes an emblem of judicial gravity when yoked to Yahweh’s chariot. Theological Reflection and Ministry Application 1. God assesses reality, not appearances. In Leviticus, black hair testified to authentic healing, while whiteness signaled disease. Believers are called to cultivate genuine spiritual health rather than cosmetic righteousness. 2. Human diversity is honored. The Shulammite’s declaration, “I am dark, yet lovely,” validates varied complexions within God’s family and rebukes any prejudice based on skin tone. Ministry must embrace congregants of every background as equally “lovely” in Christ. 3. Christ’s vigor and covenant fidelity stand unaging. The raven-black hair of Song 5 powerfully anticipates the resurrected Lord, whose strength never wanes (Hebrews 7:25). 4. Divine judgment is inevitable and righteous. The black horses of Zechariah remind the Church that God actively governs history. Evangelism, discipleship, and social righteousness are energized by the certainty that the Judge of all the earth will do right. 5. Restoration is available. Just as natural pigmentation returning to a scalp declared a leper clean, so visible fruits of repentance authenticate inward renewal (Matthew 3:8). Pastoral care should point penitents to the High Priest who alone pronounces them clean. In every occurrence, שָׁחֹר adds depth to the biblical narrative, connecting themes of purity, beauty, strength, and judgment—each ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations הַשְּׁחֹרִ֗ים השחרים שְׁחֹר֖וֹת שְׁחֹרִֽים׃ שְׁחוֹרָ֤ה שָׁחֹ֖ר שָׁחֹ֧ר שחורה שחר שחרות שחרים׃ haš·šə·ḥō·rîm hashshechoRim haššəḥōrîm šā·ḥōr šāḥōr šə·ḥō·rîm šə·ḥō·rō·wṯ šə·ḥō·w·rāh šəḥōrîm šəḥōrōwṯ šəḥōwrāh shaChor shechoRah shechoRim shechoRotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 13:31 HEB: הָע֔וֹר וְשֵׂעָ֥ר שָׁחֹ֖ר אֵ֣ין בּ֑וֹ NAS: and there is no black hair KJV: than the skin, and [that there is] no black hair INT: the skin hair black and there shall isolate Leviticus 13:37 Songs 1:5 Songs 5:11 Zechariah 6:2 Zechariah 6:6 6 Occurrences |
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