Original Word: אַדְמֹנִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: admoniy
Pronunciation: ad-mo-NEE
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-mo-nee')
KJV: red, ruddy
NASB: ruddy, red
Word Origin: [from H119 (אָדַם - dyed red)]

1. reddish (of the hair or the complexion)

red, ruddy

Or (fully) admowniy {ad-mo-nee'}; from 'adam; reddish (of the hair or the complexion) -- red, ruddy.

see HEBREW 'adam

Word Origin
from the same as adom
Definition
red, ruddy
NASB Translation
red (1), ruddy (2).

אַדְמוֺנִי adjective red, ruddy, of Esau as newborn babe Genesis 25:25 (whence name Edom accusative to E ? compare Di); of youth 1 Samuel 16:12; 1 Samuel 17:42 (אַדְמֹנִי).

Overview

The adjective אַדְמֹנִי functions as a descriptive term for a reddish hue of skin or hair and appears only three times in the Old Testament. Although its lexical sense is simple, Scripture employs the word to mark pivotal figures whose lives advance redemptive history.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Genesis 25:25 – Esau, firstborn of Isaac and Rebekah
2. 1 Samuel 16:12 – David, youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel
3. 1 Samuel 17:42 – David again, viewed through Goliath’s contemptuous eyes

Narrative Setting and Historical Background

• Esau’s “red” appearance links him with Edom (“red”) and foreshadows the national rivalries between Israel and Edom that punctuate the biblical record (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah 1).
• David’s description comes at the dawn of Israel’s monarchy. Samuel has just been told, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Nevertheless, the text still notes David’s ruddy attractiveness, pairing inward calling with outward vitality suited for the rigors of kingship.
• Goliath’s scorn for the “ruddy” youth highlights the irony of victory. What the Philistine regards as weakness becomes the LORD’s chosen instrument to fell the giant and deliver Israel.

Theological and Typological Themes

Contrast of Brothers:
• Esau, though ruddy and robust, lives by the appetites of the flesh, sells his birthright, and fathers a nation often hostile to covenant purposes (Genesis 25:29-34).
• David, likewise ruddy, submits his vigor to the LORD, securing Israel’s throne and prefiguring the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1).

Scripture thus sets two “reddish” men side by side to illustrate the decisive role of the heart over mere natural endowment.

Reversal of Expectations:
• Esau the senior loses the blessing; Jacob the younger receives it.
• David the youngest among eight brothers is anointed king.

The term underscores the pattern: God delights to upend human valuations of strength, heritage, and appearance.

Symbolism of Red:
• Red recalls earth (adamah) and blood (dam), reminding readers of humanity’s origin and need for atonement.
• David’s royal line culminates in Jesus Christ, whose blood secures the everlasting covenant (Hebrews 13:20).

Christological Trajectory

From a “ruddy” shepherd comes the everlasting King. The description of David anticipates Isaiah’s servant who “had no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2), yet whose blood redemption would secure the throne forever. The external note of color invites reflection on the greater crimson of Calvary.

Ministry Implications

• Leadership discernment: evaluate hearts, not aesthetics.
• Spiritual identity: natural gifts become conduits of grace only when yielded to God.
• Evangelistic appeal: God’s choice of unlikely instruments encourages believers to trust His sovereign purposes over outward impressions.

Summary

אַדְמֹנִי accents the narrative at critical junctures—birthright, kingship, deliverance—each time exposing the tension between appearance and divine election. Esau warns against living for the moment; David beckons toward wholehearted devotion. Both point forward to the ultimate Son of David, whose scarlet sacrifice secures eternal redemption.

אַדְמוֹנִ֔י אדמוני וְאַדְמֹנִ֖י ואדמני ’aḏ·mō·w·nî ’aḏmōwnî admoNi veadmoNi wə’aḏmōnî wə·’aḏ·mō·nîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts