Dictionary entry

Ruddy

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

rud'-i ('adhmoni (1Sa 16:12;17:42;Ge 25:25the Revised Version margin), 'adhom (So 5:10); verbs 'adham (La 4:7), and eruthriao, "to blush" (Ad Es 15:5)): "Ruddy" is the form taken by the adjective "red" when used as a term of praise of the human skin, and this is its use in the Bible (the Hebrew and Greek words are all usual words for "red" or "to be red"). The dark-skinned Hebrews found great beauty in a clear complexion.