The term "ruddy" is used in the Bible to describe a healthy, reddish complexion, often associated with vigor and vitality. This description is primarily found in the Old Testament and is used to depict individuals who possess a robust and attractive appearance.

Biblical References:

1. David: One of the most notable mentions of "ruddy" is in reference to David, the future king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:12 , when Samuel is sent to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse, David is described as "ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance." This description highlights David's youthful and appealing appearance, setting him apart as God's chosen one despite his youth and the expectations of others.

2. Esau: Another significant mention is Esau, the brother of Jacob. In Genesis 25:25 , Esau is described at birth as "red and hairy like a garment," which is often interpreted as having a ruddy complexion. This description not only marks Esau's physical appearance but also foreshadows his robust and earthy nature, which plays a crucial role in his life account and the dynamics between him and Jacob.

3. Song of Solomon: The term is also used in the Song of Solomon to describe the beloved. In Song of Solomon 5:10 , the bride describes her beloved as "radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand." Here, "ruddy" is used poetically to convey the attractiveness and desirability of the beloved, emphasizing his exceptional qualities.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, a ruddy complexion was often associated with health, vitality, and attractiveness. It signified a person who was full of life and vigor, qualities that were highly valued in a leader or a beloved figure. The biblical use of "ruddy" to describe key figures like David and Esau underscores their physical presence and the roles they play in God's unfolding plan.

From a theological perspective, the description of David as ruddy serves to highlight God's choice of a king based on divine criteria rather than human expectations. While David's brothers might have appeared more kingly by worldly standards, God's selection of David, marked by his ruddy appearance, emphasizes the importance of inner qualities and divine purpose over outward appearances.

In the poetic language of the Song of Solomon, the use of "ruddy" to describe the beloved reflects the deep affection and admiration between the lovers, symbolizing the beauty and intensity of their relationship. This imagery contributes to the overall theme of love and desire that permeates the book.

Overall, the term "ruddy" in the Bible conveys more than just physical appearance; it reflects deeper themes of divine selection, human vitality, and the beauty of love.1. (n.) of a red color; red, or reddish; as, a ruddy sky; a ruddy flame.

2. (n.) of a lively flesh color, or the color of the human skin in high health; as, ruddy cheeks or lips.

3. (v. t.) To make ruddy.

RUDDY

rud'-i ('adhmoni (1 Samuel 16:12; 1 Samuel 17:42 Genesis 25:25 the Revised Version margin), 'adhom (Songs 5:10); verbs 'adham (Lamentations 4:7), and eruthriao, "to blush" (Additions to Esther 15:5)): "Ruddy" is the form taken by the adjective "red" when used as a term of praise of the human skin, and this is its use in the Bible (the Hebrew and Greek words are all usual words for "red" or "to be red"). The dark-skinned Hebrews found great beauty in a clear complexion.

132. admoni -- red, ruddy
... 131, 132. admoni. 133 . red, ruddy. Transliteration: admoni Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-mo-nee') Short Definition: ruddy. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/132.htm - 6k

122. adom -- red
... Word Origin from the same as adom Definition red NASB Word Usage red (7), ruddy
(1). red, ruddy. From 'adam; rosy -- red, ruddy. see HEBREW 'adam. 121, 122. ...
/hebrew/122.htm - 6k

119. adom -- to be red
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition to be red NASB Word Usage dyed
red (6), red (3), ruddy (1). be dyed, made red ruddy. To ...
/hebrew/119.htm - 5k

120. adam -- man, mankind
... From 'adam; ruddy ie A human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) --
X another, + hypocrite, + common sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree ...
/hebrew/120.htm - 6k

My Beloved is White and Ruddy, the Chiefest among Ten Thousand.
... My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. ... He is ruddy by His
charity, and because He has chosen to be dyed and purpled in His own blood. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/10 my beloved is white.htm

A Foreshadowing
... One of them, a tall slim lad, whose aureole of ruddy hair seemed to catch every
wandering sunbeam, was evidently directing the game, for all seemed to look to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 1 a foreshadowing.htm

Edwin and Paulinus
... The Conversion of Northumbria. The black-hair'd gaunt Paulinus By ruddy Edwin
stood:" "Bow down, O king of Deira, Before the blessed Rood! ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/edwin and paulinus.htm

He Shows that Ambrose Agrees with S. Hilary.
... God, who never leaving the Lord's hand, ever shone like a jewel upon the finger
of God, thus speaks in his book to the Virgins: "My brother is white and ruddy. ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xxv he shows that.htm

Other Passages from the Song of Songs are Considered with Relation ...
... [3209] My Beloved is white and ruddy." [3210] For it is ... He is white fittingly, for
He is the brightness of the Father; and ruddy, for He was born of a Virgin. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix other passages from.htm

Physical Characteristics.
... His complexion was ruddy, his hair neither thick nor crisp curling, his beard scanty
and not growing in many places, his nose slightly hooked, and his eyes ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 3 physical characteristics.htm

The Shepherd-King
... hither.12. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal
of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

Early Days
... broke a bow of steel," the precision with which he used the sling, the agility which
"leaped over a rampart," the health that glowed in his "ruddy" face, were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ii early days.htm

The Wounds of Jesus
... To the eye of the believer Christ is never so glorious, never so passing fair, as
when we can say of him, "My beloved is white and ruddy," white with innocence ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the wounds of jesus.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... When at length he drew near, Samuel saw a young man, not tall, but clearly of great
strength, with light hair, ruddy cheeks, and bright eyes; and he thought ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Ruddy (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) of a red color; red, or reddish; as, a ruddy sky;
a ruddy flame. ... 3. (vt) To make ruddy. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/r/ruddy.htm - 8k

Withal (38 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 1 Samuel 16:12 He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and
withal of a beautiful face, and goodly to look on. Yahweh ...
/w/withal.htm - 18k

Countenance (67 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was
ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. ...
/c/countenance.htm - 30k

Rude (2 Occurrences)

/r/rude.htm - 8k

Beautiful (152 Occurrences)
... Please take her, instead." (WEB NAS). 1 Samuel 16:12 He sent, and brought him in.
Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful face, and goodly to look on. ...
/b/beautiful.htm - 38k

Color (18 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Any hue distinguished from white or black. 3. (n.) The hue or color
characteristic of good health and spirits; ruddy complexion. ...
/c/color.htm - 39k

Appearance (126 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent and brought him in. And he was ruddy, and besides
of a lovely countenance and beautiful appearance. And ...
/a/appearance.htm - 41k

Handsome (15 Occurrences)
... (WBS NAS RSV). 1 Samuel 16:12 He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy,
and withal of a beautiful face, and goodly to look on. ...
/h/handsome.htm - 11k

Nazarites (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk,
they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire ...
/n/nazarites.htm - 7k

Lapis (3 Occurrences)
... Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They
were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire. ...
/l/lapis.htm - 7k

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