Topical Encyclopedia
The term "dusky" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be associated with descriptions of color, complexion, or the time of day, such as twilight or evening, which are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. In biblical times, the concept of "dusky" might relate to the natural transitions between day and night, symbolizing moments of change or uncertainty.
Biblical Context and Symbolism1.
Twilight and Evening: The dusky time of day, often referred to as twilight or evening, is mentioned in several passages. In
Genesis 24:63, Isaac goes out to meditate in the field at evening, a time of reflection and transition. The evening is also a time for rest and gathering, as seen in
Exodus 12:6, where the Passover lamb is to be slaughtered at twilight.
2.
Complexion and Appearance: While the Bible does not use the term "dusky" to describe complexion, it does reference skin color in various contexts. For example, in
Song of Solomon 1:5-6, the Shulammite woman describes herself as "dark, yet lovely," indicating a complexion that might be considered dusky. This passage highlights the beauty and dignity of diverse appearances.
3.
Symbolic Meaning: The dusky times of day can symbolize spiritual or moral ambiguity. In
Proverbs 7:9, the young man lacking judgment is described as walking "in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night," suggesting a time of vulnerability to temptation and sin. This imagery serves as a warning against moral compromise and the dangers that lurk in spiritual darkness.
4.
Prophetic Imagery: Dusky imagery is sometimes used in prophetic literature to describe impending judgment or the Day of the Lord. In
Amos 5:20, the day of the Lord is described as "darkness, not light; even gloom with no brightness in it," evoking a sense of foreboding and divine judgment.
Cultural and Historical ConsiderationsIn the ancient Near Eastern context, the transition from day to night held significant cultural and religious meaning. It was a time for evening sacrifices and prayers, as seen in
Psalm 141:2, where the psalmist's prayer is likened to incense and the lifting of hands to the evening sacrifice. The dusky hours were also a time for families to gather and share in communal activities, reinforcing social and familial bonds.
Theological ReflectionsFrom a theological perspective, the dusky times of day can serve as a metaphor for the human experience of uncertainty and the need for divine guidance. Just as the physical world transitions from light to darkness, individuals may experience spiritual transitions that require reliance on God's wisdom and protection. The Bible encourages believers to seek God's light in times of darkness, as expressed in
Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
In summary, while the term "dusky" itself is not explicitly used in the Bible, its associated concepts of twilight, complexion, and spiritual symbolism are woven throughout the biblical narrative, offering rich insights into the human condition and the divine presence in times of transition.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Partially dark or obscure; not luminous; dusk; as, a dusky valley.
2. (a.) Tending to blackness in color; partially black; dark-colored; not bright; as, a dusky brown.
3. (a.) Gloomy; sad; melancholy.
4. (a.) Intellectually clouded.
Greek
850. auchmeros -- to boast... to boast. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: auchmeros Phonetic Spelling:
(owkh-may-ros') Short Definition: dingy,
dusky, obscure, dark, funereal
...Strong's Hebrew
6939. Qidron -- perhaps "dusky," a wadi East of Jer.... Qidron. 6940 . perhaps "
dusky," a wadi East of Jer.
... Word Origin from qadar Definition
perhaps "
dusky," a wadi E. of Jer. NASB Word Usage Kidron (11). Kidron.
...5399. nesheph -- twilight
... Word Origin from nashaph Definition twilight NASB Word Usage dawn (2),dusky (1),
evening (1), twilight (8). dark, dawning of the day morning, night, twilight....
7838. shachor -- black
... black. Or shachowr {shaw-khore'}; from shachar; properly,dusky, but also (absol.)
Jetty -- black. see HEBREW shachar. 7837, 7838. shachor. 7839 ....
6938. Qedar -- perhaps "swarthy," a son of Ishmael, also his desc.
... Kedar. From qadar;dusky (of the skin or the tent); Kedar, a son of Ishmael; also
(collectively) Bedouin (as his descendants or representatives) -- Kedar....
6158. oreb -- a raven
... raven. Or mowreb {o-rabe'}; from arab; a raven (from itsdusky hue) -- raven.
see HEBREW arab. 6157, 6158. oreb. 6159 . Strong's Numbers.
6150. arab -- to become evening, grow dark
... A primitive root (identical with arab through the idea of covering with a texture);
to growdusky at sundown -- be darkened, (toward) evening. see HEBREW arab....
651. aphel -- gloomy
... gloom (1). very dark. From an unused root meaning to set as the sun;dusky --
very dark. 650, 651. aphel. 652 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
What is Man?
... the removal of the shade from any part of the earth, the sun immediately shines
bright upon it; whereas if the moon had atmosphere, would appear dim anddusky....
To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield.
... The noblest spirit fighting her hard fate,. In this damp,dusky region, charged
with storms,.... sallies on my soul,. And puts delusion'sdusky train to flight;...
Revelation of John.
... And I heard a voice saying to me: The appearance of his face isdusky; [2562] the
hairs of his head are sharp, like darts; his eyebrows like a wild beast's...
Introduction
... pleasing to imagine. Fromdusky lane and fetid alley to open, bright Canadian
fields is, in the very thought, refreshing. A child...
We Give Offence by Proclaiming that There is one God...
... Standing under the statue of ??sculapius, adorning the brazen image of Juno, arraying
the helmet of Minerva withdusky figures, thou never thinkest of...
Emancipation --Black and White.
... The highest places in the hierarchy of civilization will assuredly not be within
the reach of ourdusky cousins, though it is by no means necessary that they...
The House of Zacharias.
... this loud stunning tide Of human care and crime, With whom the melodies abide Of
the everlasting chime; Who carry music in their heart Throughdusky lane and...
The First Ministry of the Baptist.
... of the metropolis, familiar with the Temple services, and accustomed to the splendour
of the palace; fishermen from the Lake of Gennesaret,dusky sons of...
On Transparency.
... in his chariot read the Prophet Esaias, Philip asked, "Understandest thou what thou
readest?" and all his effort went to make thedusky stranger comprehend....
In the Sunless Crypt
... identify them or for them to identify her. She lived among them adusky shadow
among shadows. And because of her fear that Philadelphus...
Thesaurus
Dusky (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Partially dark or obscure; not luminous; dusk;
as, a
dusky valley.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Dusky (1 Occurrence).
...Dusk (21 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Tending to darkness or blackness; moderately
dark or black;dusky. 2. (n.) Imperfect obscurity...
Brown (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A dark color inclining to red or yellow, resulting from the mixture of
red and black, or of red, black, and yellow; a tawny,dusky hue....
Obscure (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Covered over, shaded, or darkened;
destitute of light; imperfectly illuminated;dusky; dim....
Gloomy (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Imperfectly illuminated; dismal through
obscurity or darkness;dusky; dim; clouded; as, the cavern was gloomy....
Dim (22 Occurrences)
... 1. (superl.) Not bright or distinct; wanting luminousness or clearness; obscure
in luster or sound;dusky; darkish; obscure; indistinct; overcast; tarnished....
Darkish (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Somewhat dark;dusky. Multi-Version Concordance
Darkish (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 13:39 Then the priest...
Pale (16 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) Wanting in color; not ruddy;dusky white;
pallid; wan; as, a pale face; a pale red; a pale blue....
Porpoise (14 Occurrences)
... Americana). The color isdusky or blackish above, paler beneath. They are
closely allied to the dolphins, but have a shorter snout....
Shem (17 Occurrences)
... Though generally regarded as meaning "dusky" (compare the Assyr-Babylonian
samu-also Ham-possibly = "black," Japheth, "fair"), it is considered possible that...
Resources
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