זֹהַר
𐤆𐤄𐤓
zôhar
H2096 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Radiance, brightness, or shining light; refers to intense, often dazzling, luminosity emanating from an object or figure. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes both natural brightness (such as sunlight or shining objects) and metaphoric or supernatural radiance (ascribed to the divine or to individuals). The term denotes both literal physical brilliance and figurative splendor.
Semantic Range
radiance, bright shining, brilliance, dazzling light, supernatural splendor, metaphorical glory
Root / Etymology
From the root זxr (זהר), meaning 'to shine, emit light, warn.' The noun form זֹהַר (zôhar) emphasizes the quality or effect of shining, i.e., brilliance or radiance, rather than the act of shining itself.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical usage, זֹהַר appears rarely, found notably in Ezekiel 8:2 describing a figure with appearance 'like fire' and 'brightness (זֹהַר) like gleaming metal,' conveying supernatural luminosity. The word is distinct from אוֹר (ʾôr, 'light') which denotes the general concept of light as opposed to the intense, overwhelming brilliance conveyed by זֹהַר. In post-biblical Hebrew, especially in mystical literature (e.g., the Zohar), it gains significance as a title for mystical radiance, though this is a much later development and not present in the Hebrew Bible. English translations often render it 'brightness' or 'radiance,' but these may understate its intensity and association with awe-inspiring brilliance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from זָהַר; brilliancy; brightness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זהר (z-h-r) — to shine, emit light, be radiant, warn by shining
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2096-01 |
כְּ/זֹ֣הַר | kezohar | HR/Ncmsc |
like the brightness | like radiance of | 1 |
H2096-02 |
זֹ֖הַר | zohar | HNcmsa |
of brightness | radiant brilliance | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2096-02 |
Ezekiel 8:2 | זֹ֖הַר | zohar | HNcmsa |
of brightness | radiant brilliance |
H2096-01 |
Daniel 12:3 | כְּ/זֹ֣הַר | kezohar | HR/Ncmsc |
like the brightness | like radiance of |