Cushi (Zephaniah’s father), among other words and names is an ethnonym. Here’s how an ethnonym defined:
“an ethnic name ascribed to a people or group; the proper name by which a people or ethnic group is called or known.” – Dictionary.com
The following is a complete list of all of the ethnonyms in the Bible and some of the places you can find them. This page will be updated as new information comes in.
Ashur = Black
If we check the Strong’s Concordance on Bible Hub, it brings us to Strong’s #806 (Ashchuwr).
Ashur: Probably from shachar; black; Ashchur, an Israelite — Ashur.
If we scroll down the page to Strong’s Exhaustive concordance, it gives the root word of Ashur as “shacar” (Strong’s #7835), which is defined as follows:
“A primitive root (identical with shachar through the idea of the duskiness of early dawn); to be dim or dark (in color) — be black.”
Cush / Cushite = Black
Cush was the son of Ham and father of Nimrod. He is the origin of the Cushites, who are most often associated with Ethiopia and are known for having black skin.
- Genesis 10:6-8
- Isaiah 11:11
Other Occurrences
There is a Hebrew named Cush and Cushi, the father of Zephaniah. It is very likely that they were named so because of their skin color.
Ethiopia / Ethiopian = Burnt Face
The name Ethiopia means “burnt face”. Whenever we see Ethiopians in the Bible, we know they are referring to “burnt face” or black people.
- Genesis 2:13
- Numbers 12:1
- Isaiah 18:1
Ham = Warm, Hot, Black
Ham (Cham) is a Hebrew name, but it is also an Egyptian word that means “black”. The meaning of the name and the locations where his descendants settled is why he is associated with Africans.
- Genesis 5:32
- 1 Chronicles 4:40
- Psalms 105:23
Kedar = Swarthy
Kedar was Abraham’s grandson through Ishmael. Swarthy is defined as “dark skinned”.
- Genesis 25:13
- Song of Solomon 1:5
- Isaiah 21:17
KMT (Egypt) = The Black Land
While we refer to the country as Egypt / Mizraim (misery / bondage) in our current time, it was actually known as KMT to the ancient Egyptians.
- Genesis 12:10
- Numbers 22:11
- Ezekiel 32:12
Niger = Black
In the book of Acts, Simeon is called Niger, and is listed among the prophets and teachers in Antioch.
- Acts 13:1
Ruddy – Reddish Brown
Perhaps one of the most misinterpreted words in the Bible. The words “ruddy” and “red” are the same Hebrew word (Strong’s #132 – admoni). The same word is used to describe the color of the “red heifer”.
- Numbers 19:2
- 1 Samuel 16:12
- Lamentations 4:7
