אַדְמוֹנִי (ad.mo.ni)
ad.mo.ni
red
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective admoni simply means red or ruddy. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, serving as a vivid descriptor for physical appearance rather than abstract concepts. The word derives from the root for "red," connecting it directly to color and visual observation.
Its most famous usage occurs in Genesis 25:25, where Esau is described as admoni when he emerges from the womb. This detail highlights his hairiness and reddish skin tone, creating a striking image of the newborn twin. The term emphasizes his physical nature at birth, setting him apart visually from his brother Jacob.
While the word itself carries no inherent moral judgment, its association with Esau has led to rich theological reflection. Some readers see the redness as symbolic of his earthly, passionate character, while others view it merely as a factual biological detail. The text uses this simple descriptor to introduce one of the Bible’s central sibling rivalries.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word admoni simply means red or ruddy. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, serving as a vivid descriptor for physical appearance rather than abstract concepts. Its most famous usage occurs in Genesis 25:25, where Esau is described as admoni when he emerges from the womb. This detail highlights his hairiness and reddish skin tone, creating a striking image of the newborn twin.
The term emphasizes physical nature at birth, setting him apart visually from his brother Jacob. While the word itself carries no inherent moral judgment, its association with Esau has led to rich theological reflection. Some readers see the redness as symbolic of his earthly, passionate character, while others view it merely as a factual biological detail.
In 1 Samuel 16:12 and 17:42, the word describes David. Here, admoni signals health and vitality, contrasting with Saul’s rejection. The text uses this simple descriptor to introduce one of the Bible’s central sibling rivalries and later a king chosen by God. It reminds us that God looks at the heart, even when outward signs like color or strength are present.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- red1×
- and/ red1×
- [was] red1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַדְמוֹנִ֔י2×
- וְ/אַדְמֹנִ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:25
The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau.
This occurrence identifies Esau’s physical birthmark, distinguishing him from Jacob and setting the stage for their lifelong rivalry.
-
I Samuel 16:12
He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance. Yahweh said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.”
Here the word signals David’s health and vitality, confirming to Samuel that this young shepherd is the one God has chosen.
-
I Samuel 17:42
When the Philistine looked around and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and had a good looking face.
Goliath sees David’s ruddy complexion as a sign of youth and weakness, failing to recognize the strength God had given him.