### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâruq**, represented by `{{H8320}}`, is a specific term for **speckled**. According to its base definition, it can also mean bright red, as in a color that is piercing to the sight. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entirety of scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical use of `{{H8320}}` is found in Zechariah's vision, where the prophet **saw** `{{H7200}}` by **night** `{{H3915}}` a group of horses. In this vision, there were **red** `{{H122}}` horses, **speckled** horses, and **white** `{{H3836}}` ones [[Zechariah 1:8]]. These horses were seen **behind** `{{H310}}` a **man** `{{H376}}` on a red horse who **stood** `{{H5975}}` among **myrtle trees** `{{H1918}}` in the **bottom** `{{H4699}}`, or a shady place.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H122}}` **'âdôm** (red, ruddy): This color describes the primary horse in the vision and another group of horses alongside the speckled ones, establishing a pattern of symbolic colors [[Zechariah 1:8]].
* `{{H3836}}` **lâbân** (white): This word for **white** describes the third group of horses in the vision, completing the triad of colors presented to Zechariah [[Zechariah 1:8]].
* `{{H5483}}` **çûwç** (horse): This is the animal that is described as **speckled**. Horses in scripture are often associated with strength and battle, but here they function as agents in a divine vision [[Zechariah 1:8]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8320}}` is tied directly to its unique context within prophetic vision.
* **Component of Prophetic Imagery:** The word's only appearance is to provide a specific visual detail in the vision given to Zechariah by **night** `{{H3915}}`. This detail is part of a larger symbolic message from God.
* **Symbolic Coloring:** As one of three colors—alongside **red** `{{H122}}` and **white** `{{H3836}}`—used to describe the horses, **speckled** contributes to a palette that is likely symbolic. Other visions in Zechariah also use colored horses to represent different forces or missions [[Zechariah 6:2-3]].
* **Divine Agency:** The man in the vision explains that the horses are "they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth" [[Zechariah 1:10]]. Therefore, the **speckled** horse is described as one of God's agents on a mission of observation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8320}}` is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely derived from its single appearance in scripture. As the color **speckled**, it describes one of the horses in Zechariah's night vision, functioning as a key detail in the prophetic imagery. It underscores how specific visual elements are used in the Bible to convey divine messages about God's agents and their work in the world.
TRV