שְׁחוֹר

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word shᵉchôwr, represented by H7815, refers to a coal or the dinginess of soot. Derived from a root meaning to be black, this term is exceptionally rare. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single usage highly impactful.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H7815 is found in the book of Lamentations, where it is used in a visceral description of the suffering inhabitants of Jerusalem. The verse paints a grim picture of nobles who have been ravaged by famine, stating, "Their visage is blacker than a coal" Lamentations 4:8. This powerful simile serves to illustrate the extreme physical degradation and the unrecognizably dark and withered state of their skin.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of H7815 is enriched by the words used alongside it:

• H2821 châshak (to be dark): This is the verb used to describe the state of being "blacker" in Lamentations 4:8. The word is frequently used in prophetic texts to describe God's power to darken the sun and the heavens as an act of judgment Amos 8:9.
• H8389 tôʼar (outline, i.e. figure or appearance): This word, translated as "visage" in Lamentations 4:8, often denotes a beautiful or comely appearance elsewhere in scripture Genesis 29:17. Its use in this context creates a stark contrast, highlighting the horrific transformation from beauty to decay.

Theological Significance

The thematic weight of H7815 is concentrated entirely in its single, graphic use.

• The Reversal of Fortune: The word is used to describe people of high standing, showing how judgment can erase status and physical well-being. Their appearance, once fair, is now darker than a coal, symbolizing a complete inversion of their former state.
• Physical Manifestation of Calamity: H7815 provides a tangible symbol for the abstract horrors of siege and famine. The blackness it describes is not just a color but a mark of near-death, filth, and utter despair.
• Loss of Identity: The verse explicitly states that these figures "are not known in the streets" Lamentations 4:8. The coal-like blackness contributes directly to this theme of being rendered unrecognizable by suffering.

Summary

In summary, H7815 is a powerful, specific term whose meaning is defined by its solitary context. While simply meaning coal, its use in Lamentations transforms it into a symbol of the deepest human suffering and the visible consequences of judgment. It demonstrates how a single word, in its precise placement, can convey a depth of pathos and horror that resonates far beyond its literal definition.