The Hebrew word ʼădamdâm, represented by H125, is a specific term for reddish or somewhat reddish. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. As a reduplicated form of the root word for red, it emphasizes the reddish quality it describes, often in a context requiring careful visual inspection.
In the biblical narrative, the use of H125 is exclusively found within the book of Leviticus, specifically in the laws concerning the diagnosis of leprosy. The term is a key descriptor used by priests to identify a potential plague. It is applied to sores on the skin, such as a "white reddish sore" on a bald head Leviticus 13:42 or a "bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish" appearing after a boil Leviticus 13:19. The term also describes contamination in inanimate objects, including "greenish or reddish" plagues in garments Leviticus 13:49 and on the walls of a house Leviticus 14:37.
Several related color terms appear alongside H125, helping to define the specific visual characteristics of the plagues:
- H3422 yᵉraqraq (greenish, yellow): This word is paired directly with reddish to describe the appearance of a plague in a garment or a house (Leviticus 13:49, Leviticus 14:37). It is also used elsewhere to describe the color of "yellow gold" Psalms 68:13.
- H3836 lâbân (white): This is the most common color associated with reddish in diagnosing skin diseases, as seen in descriptions of a "white reddish" sore (Leviticus 13:42, Leviticus 13:43). The term white has a broad application in scripture, describing things from horses Zechariah 6:3 to manna Exodus 16:31.
The significance of H125 is tied directly to the Levitical laws of purity and uncleanness. It functions as a critical element in a diagnostic process.
- Diagnostic Marker: The presence of a reddish hue is a primary sign that requires a priest to investigate a sore or discoloration as a potential plague of leprosy (Leviticus 13:19, Leviticus 13:43).
- Indicator of Contamination: When a reddish color appears in conjunction with other signs on skin, clothing, or walls, it is identified as a "plague of leprosy" Leviticus 13:49.
- Priestly Discernment: The word is always used in the context of a priest who must "look" upon the blemish to make a judgment, highlighting the careful visual examination required to enforce these laws of purity Leviticus 14:37.
In summary, H125 is a highly specialized term. Its meaning is not symbolic but descriptive, confined entirely to the clinical-style descriptions of leprosy in Leviticus. The word ʼădamdâm serves as a precise visual indicator for priests tasked with identifying contamination and upholding the ritual purity of the community, whether concerning people, clothing, or dwellings.
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