זְהַר
𐤆𐤄𐤓
zᵉhar
H2095 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be warned, to be cautioned or admonished; to take heed, be made aware of a potential danger or responsibility. In Biblical Aramaic, this verb most often appears in passive or reflexive forms, indicating that the subject is receiving a warning or is being made aware through instruction or admonition, rather than warning others.
Semantic Range
to be warned, to take heed, to be cautioned, to be admonished, to beware
Root / Etymology
Root: זהר. The root ז־ה־ר in both Hebrew and Aramaic fundamentally conveys the sense of being bright or luminous, and also extends metaphorically to mean 'to warn' or 'admonish,' likely by association with enlightenment or bringing something to light. In Aramaic, the sense 'to admonish, warn' became primary, especially in the passive or reflexive stems, appearing as זְהַר in the Peal (simple), but especially in the Ethpael (reflexive) and Ithpaal (reflexive), meaning 'to be warned' or 'to beware.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical Aramaic (e.g., Daniel 4:24, 5:22), זְהַר refers to acts of warning or gaining an admonition, and nearly always refers to the reception of a warning rather than its issuance. The underlying concept is closely tied to 'illumination'—making matters clear so as to prevent missteps or encourage prudence. In context, the term implies awareness that leads to altered behavior. This is similar to the Hebrew use of זָהַר (zāhar), though in Hebrew the verb is more commonly used in the Hiphil stem meaning 'to warn, caution,' with humans as the subject warning others. In Biblical Aramaic, the focus shifts to the subject being the one who is cautioned. Later Jewish Aramaic maintains the sense, and it is reflected in targumic and rabbinic usage. Standard English translations ('be admonished,' 'be warned,' 'take heed') capture the basic sense, but may not convey the nuance of passive reception highlighted by the reflexive forms in Aramaic.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to זָהַר; (passively) be admonished; take heed.
Bantu Hebrew
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זהר (z-h-r) — shine, warn, admonish
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2095-01 |
וּ/זְהִירִ֥ין | uzehirin | AC/Aampa |
and-be-careful | and warned ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2095-01 |
Ezra 4:22 | וּ/זְהִירִ֥ין | uzehirin | AC/Aampa |
and-be-careful | and warned ones |