Original Word: חוּם
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: chuwm
Pronunciation: koom
Phonetic Spelling: (khoom)
Definition: Brown, dark, swarthy
Meaning: sunburnt, swarthy

brown

From an unused root meaning to be warm, i.e. (by implication) sunburnt or swarthy (blackish) -- brown.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
darkened, dark brown or black
NASB Translation
black (3), black ones (1).

חוּם adjective darkened, dark brown or black, only of colour of sheep (in Genesis 30, J); — וכלשֶֿׂהחֿוּם בכשׂבים Genesis 30:32, ׳וְחוּם בכ Genesis 30:33,35, וכלחֿוּם בְּצאֹן Genesis 30:40 (clause probably interpolated Ol Hup De We Di).

חוֺמָה see below חמה.

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to be warm or to heat.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3022 (λευκός, leukos): This Greek term means "white" or "bright," often used in the New Testament to describe purity or radiance, contrasting with darker tones.
• G4164 (ποικίλος, poikilos): This term means "varied" or "diverse," and while not directly related to skin tone, it can imply a range of appearances or characteristics, including complexion.

The entry for חוּם (chum) provides insight into the ancient Hebrew understanding of physical appearance and its implications within the cultural and social framework of the time. The corresponding Greek terms offer a contrast in the spectrum of descriptions related to color and appearance in biblical texts.

Usage: The word "chum" is used in the context of describing physical appearance, particularly in relation to skin tone that has been darkened by the sun.

Context: • The Hebrew word חוּם (chum) appears in the context of describing individuals with a darker complexion, often as a result of sun exposure. This term is used to convey the idea of being sunburnt or swarthy, which can be associated with labor or outdoor activity in the ancient Near Eastern context.
• In the Berean Standard Bible, the term is used to describe the appearance of individuals, emphasizing the natural effects of the sun on the skin. This description can be found in poetic or descriptive passages where physical appearance is noted.
• The cultural and historical context of the term suggests an understanding of beauty and labor, where a sunburnt complexion might indicate a life of work under the sun, contrasting with the paler skin of those who remain indoors.
• The use of "chum" in the Hebrew Bible reflects the broader Semitic understanding of skin tones and their implications in social and cultural settings.

וְחוּם֙ וחום ח֖וּם חוּם֙ חום chum ḥūm veChum wə·ḥūm wəḥūmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts