Lexical Summary shecharchoreth: Blackness, dark complexion Original Word: שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance black From shachar; swarthy -- black. see HEBREW shachar 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. Topical Lexicon Canonical Occurrence The word שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת appears a single time in Scripture, in Song of Solomon 1:6. In the voice of the Shulammite, the Bride confesses, “Do not stare because I am darkened, for the sun has gazed upon me” (Berean Standard Bible). Her complexion bears witness to long hours of outdoor labor, yet the surrounding context (Song of Solomon 1:5, “I am dark, yet lovely”) anchors her dignity and desirability in the eyes of her Beloved. Cultural and Historical Background In the agrarian societies of the Ancient Near East, a sun-darkened appearance was almost always associated with fieldwork and lower social standing. Those of wealth or royal birth typically lived and worked under shade and therefore retained lighter skin tones. By openly acknowledging her sun-scorched hue, the Shulammite situates herself among those who toil “in the heat of the day” (compare Genesis 31:40). The mention that her brothers “made me keeper of the vineyards” (Song of Solomon 1:6) confirms this socioeconomic picture. Yet, rather than a mark of shame, the description becomes a poetic device through which the Song elevates humble labor and proclaims that true beauty transcends conventional status symbols. Symbolic and Theological Themes 1. Acceptance and Covenant Love. The Bride’s frank disclosure of her weathered appearance is met, not with rejection, but with the affectionate pursuit of her Bridegroom. In a larger canonical arc this anticipates the unconditional love of Christ for His covenant people—loved not because they are flawless but because they are His (Ephesians 5:25–27). Practical Ministry Insights • Identity Formation. Pastoral counseling can draw upon שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת to help believers differentiate between worldly labels and their standing in Christ. The Bride moves from self-consciousness (“Do not stare”) to mutual delight, modeling the journey from insecurity to gospel-rooted confidence. Related Biblical Motifs • The Vineyard. Israel is repeatedly pictured as the LORD’s vineyard (Isaiah 5:1–7). The Shulammite as vineyard-keeper resonates with the Church’s mandate to tend God’s planting (John 15:1–8). Concluding Reflections שְׁחַרְחֹרֶת, though a single-use term, threads together rich biblical convictions: humility exalted, labor honored, and love unfazed by outward condition. For believers today, the Shulammite’s testimony calls forth grateful acceptance of God’s gaze, diligent stewardship of life’s vineyards, and the joyful embrace of all who bear the marks of earnest service under the sun. 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 |
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