BROWN (חוּם, H2569, brown; dark, sunburned. Cf. Song of Solomon 1:5; Gen 30:32, 33, 35, 40. See also Color, Colors). A word expressing a lesser degree of darkness. The traveler in Middle E countries may see the example in the sunbrowned coats of white sheep before shearing. Jacob chose sheep normally white as part of his wages. RSV “black” is incorrect. That word is š^eḥar with its derivatives. The Shulamite, “I am black,” expresses the degree of suntan achieved as vineyard keeper (Song of Solomon 1:6 KJV).