The Hebrew language contains a rich vocabulary for colors, with specific words used to denote different shades and hues. When it comes to the color red, there are a few main words that are used in modern Hebrew.
The Word “Adom”
The most common Hebrew word for the color red is “adom” (אָדֹם). This word can refer to any shade of red, from light pink to deep scarlet. “Adom” is used to describe anything that is red, including red clothing, red flowers, or a red ball. It is an everyday Hebrew word that has been in use since Biblical times.
The word “adom” appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, showing just how ancient this term is. For example, in Isaiah 1:18, the prophet says that sins will become as white as snow though they are “adom” like crimson. The word is also used in Exodus 25:5 to describe the reddish ram skins used to construct the Tabernacle.
Outside of the Bible, “adom” continues to be ubiquitous in modern Hebrew. It is found in common phrases like “adom ahava” (אָדֹם אַהֲבָה), meaning “red love.” When ordering red wine in a restaurant, you would ask for “yayin adom” (יין אָדֹם). Overall, “adom” is the default word for the color red in all contexts.
The Word “Sani”
Another common Hebrew word for the color red is “sani” (שָׁנִי). This word has a more specific meaning than “adom,” referring to the color scarlet or deep red. It denotes a rich, blood-like shade of red.
“Sani” appears multiple times in the Bible, often in descriptions of furnishings or textiles. For instance, Exodus 25:4 instructs using “tola’at sani” (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי), meaning “crimson yarn,” in constructing the Tabernacle textiles. The related word “shani” (שָׁנִי) can refer to the insect from which this scarlet dye was obtained.
Outside of Biblical Hebrew, “sani” is still used today to emphasize a vivid, rich shade of red. A “chalon sani” (חָלוֹן שָׁנִי), for example, is a “scarlet window.” Rather than just calling an apple “adom,” one might refer to it as “tapuach sani” (תַּפּוּחַ שָׁנִי) or “scarlet apple” to emphasize its bright red color.
The Word “Varod”
A less common but still established Hebrew word for red is “varod” (וָרֹד). This word has an exact equivalence in English: “pink.” It refers specifically to lighter shades of red, from pastel pink to rose red.
In modern Hebrew, “varod” is used in the same contexts in which English speakers would say “pink.” These include describing pink clothing, pink flowers like roses, or a pink complexion from blushing. Calling a color “varod” indicates it is not just red but specifically pink-tinged.
The root of the word “varod” is connected to the word for “rose” in Hebrew – “vered” (וֶרֶד). This reflects how pink is strongly associated with the colors of rose petals and blossoms. So just like in English, Hebrew speakers use a flower word to form their basic color term for pink.
Rarer Hebrew Words for Shades of Red
In addition to the main three words already discussed, Hebrew contains some more obscure terms that can refer to shades of red in certain contexts:
- “Shachor” (שָׁחֹר) – Can mean “black,” but in the Bible is specifically used to refer to deep crimson red, such as in describing fine textiles.
- “Chum” (חוּם) – Refers to reddish-brown or russet colors.
- “Chaklil” (חֲכִלִיל) – An ancient Hebrew word meaning “ruby” after the deep red gemstone.
These words have more limited, literary uses in Hebrew. But they demonstrate the flexibility of the Hebrew language when it comes to describing the color red in all its varieties.
Purposeful Use of Hebrew Color Words
An interesting feature of Biblical Hebrew’s color terms is how purposefully they are used. The authors carefully chose words to convey certain shades of meaning and connection. For example, the common word “adom” connects to the word for blood – “dam” (דָּם) – and for being red – “adam” (אָדַם).
This suggests color terms had symbolic purposes beyond just physical description in Ancient Hebrew. Calling something “adom” evoked blood, flush skin and ruddiness, themes which are often associated with life, vitality and passion in the Bible.
So in summary, while “adom” was the generic term for red, words like “sani” and “varod” served to add more nuanced color information. The specific Hebrew color word used in any given text reveals an extra layer of meaning to the reader.
Grammar Notes
In Hebrew, adjective agreement means that color words will match the gender and number of the noun they describe. For example:
- Adom (masculine singular)
- Adahma (feminine singular)
- Adomim (masculine plural)
- Adomot (feminine plural)
The noun’s gender and number determine the form the color word takes. Keeping adjective agreement in mind helps in constructing grammatically correct Hebrew phrases and sentences.
Conclusion
In summary, Hebrew contains several main words to express red and pink shades:
| Hebrew | English |
|---|---|
| Adom | Red |
| Sani | Scarlet |
| Varod | Pink |
The most common of these is “adom,” covering any shade of red. More specialized words like “sani” and “varod” add nuance for deep scarlet and pink hues. Hebrew color terms reveal an attention to subtle descriptive differences. Their thoughtful use in the Bible and other texts adds layers of meaning beyond just the physical color described.
So in both ancient and modern usage, Hebrew has a precise vocabulary for denoting different shades of red and pink. The particular Hebrew color word chosen tells the reader not just about the physical color, but also conveys symbolic meaning for the context at hand.
