### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâdam**, represented by `{{H119}}`, means to be **dyed or made red (ruddy)**. It is derived from the idea of showing blood in the face, such as when flushing or turning rosy. This word appears 10 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible, carrying significant symbolic weight in each context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H119}}` is used to describe the color red in several distinct ways. Its most frequent application is in the construction of the Tabernacle, where rams' `{{H352}}` skins `{{H5785}}` were **dyed red** `{{H119}}` to serve as a covering `{{H4372}}` for the holy tent `{{H168}}` ([[Exodus 26:14]], [[Exodus 35:23]]). The term also describes physical appearance, as when the consecrated Nazarites `{{H5139}}` are said to be **more ruddy** `{{H119}}` in body `{{H6106}}` than rubies, signifying health and purity [[Lamentations 4:7]]. In a martial context, the shields `{{H4043}}` of mighty men `{{H1368}}` are **made red** `{{H119}}` in preparation for battle [[Nahum 2:3]]. Finally, it serves as a warning, cautioning against looking at wine `{{H3196}}` when it is **red** `{{H119}}` in the cup `{{H3563}}{{H3599}}` [[Proverbs 23:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the conceptual field of `{{H119}}`:
* `{{H2399}}` **chêṭᵉʼ** (sin): This word for an offense or crime is directly linked to `{{H119}}` in the powerful imagery of sin being as **red** as crimson, requiring divine cleansing [[Isaiah 1:18]].
* `{{H3835}}` **lâban** (to be white): This word serves as the direct theological opposite of `{{H119}}` in scripture. Sins that are **red** `{{H119}}` like crimson can be made **white** `{{H3835}}` as snow `{{H7950}}` by the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Isaiah 1:18]].
* `{{H1368}}` **gibbôwr** (warrior, mighty man): This term describes the valiant men whose shields are **made red** `{{H119}}` for battle, connecting the color to strength and warfare [[Nahum 2:3]].
* `{{H5139}}` **nâzîyr** (Nazarite, separate): The consecrated status of a Nazarite is described with an appearance that is **ruddy** `{{H119}}`, linking the color to a state of vitality and separation unto God [[Lamentations 4:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H119}}` is significant, representing a duality of meaning.
* **Symbol of Sin:** The color red is used powerfully to illustrate the deep stain of sin `{{H2399}}`. In [[Isaiah 1:18]], the LORD `{{H3068}}` states that though sins are **red** `{{H119}}` like crimson `{{H8438}}`, they can be cleansed and made white.
* **Mark of Consecration:** The use of rams' skins **dyed red** `{{H119}}` as a prominent covering for the Tabernacle `{{H168}}` imbues the color with sacred importance, setting apart objects for holy use ([[Exodus 25:5]], [[Exodus 26:14]]).
* **Image of Vitality and Purity:** Far from being only a symbol of sin, being **ruddy** `{{H119}}` is associated with the health and purity of Nazarites `{{H5139}}`, who were described as purer `{{H2141}}` than snow and whiter `{{H6705}}` than milk [[Lamentations 4:7]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼâdam** `{{H119}}` is a multifaceted word that moves beyond a simple color descriptor. It serves as a powerful biblical symbol, capable of representing the stain of sin `{{H2399}}` that requires divine forgiveness [[Isaiah 1:18]] as well as the consecrated materials used in the worship of God [[Exodus 39:34]]. Whether describing the healthy glow of a Nazarite or the dangerous allure of wine, `{{H119}}` demonstrates how a single word can convey profound theological truths about sin, purity, and holiness.
TRV