יִצְהָר
𐤉𐤑𐤄𐤓
Yitsehar
H3324 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Yitshar is a proper masculine name designating an individual among the early Israelites. The term is derived from a common noun meaning 'fresh olive oil,' but its usage here refers specifically to a personal name rather than the product itself. In the biblical genealogies, Yitshar is identified as a descendant of Levi and ancestor of certain Levitical clans.
Semantic Range
Yitshar (proper name of a Levite ancestor), metaphorical associations with purity or brightness via olive oil
Root / Etymology
The word יִצְהָר derives from the root צהר (צ־ה־ר), carrying the core meaning of 'shining' or 'oil (as something bright or clear).' The noun form יִצְהָר means 'fresh (unrefined) olive oil.' As a personal name, it likely draws on metaphorical associations with brightness or value, but functions exclusively as a proper noun in this context.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical texts, specifically the Torah and genealogical accounts (e.g., Exodus 6:18, Numbers 3:19), Yitshar is named as a son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, and thus an early Levite progenitor. The use of oil-based names in this period was not uncommon in Israelite naming practice, reflecting attributes perceived as desirable (such as purity, value, or radiance). Later translations, such as the King James Version, render the name as 'Izhar'; however, this is not a functional translation but an anglicization. No evidence suggests direct equivalence between the individual Yitshar and later religious or cultural practices associated with olive oil. The name is distinct from the common noun 'oil' (שֶׁמֶן) and should not be confused with it. Use of the term is largely confined to early monarchic or earlier genealogical materials, with minimal appearance in later biblical literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as יִצְהָר; Jitshar, an Israelite; Izhar.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צהר (ṣ-h-r) — to shine, to be bright, to press out (oil)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3323 | יִצְהָר | the bright oil |
| H3325 | יִצְהָרִי | the Yitzharite clansman |
| H6671 | צָהַר | they press out oil |
| H6672 | צֹהַר | in the double-brightness |
| H6889 | צֶרֶת | Bright-One |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3324-02 |
יִצְהָ֑ר | yitsehar | HNp |
Izhar | Yitshar | 6 |
H3324-01 |
וְ/יִצְהָ֔ר | veyitsehar | HC/Np |
and Izhar | and Yitshar | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3324-01 |
Exodus 6:18 | וְ/יִצְהָ֔ר | veyitsehar | HC/Np |
and Izhar | and Yitshar |
H3324-02 |
Exodus 6:21 | יִצְהָ֑ר | yitsehar | HNp |
Izhar: | Yitshar |
H3324-01 |
Numbers 3:19 | וְ/יִצְהָ֔ר | veyitsehar | HC/Np |
and Izhar | and Yitshar |
H3324-02 |
Numbers 16:1 | יִצְהָ֥ר | yitsehar | HNp |
Izhar | Yitshar |
H3324-02 |
1 Chronicles 5:28 | יִצְהָ֔ר | yitsehar | HNp |
Izhar | Yitshar |
H3324-01 |
1 Chronicles 6:3 | וְ/יִצְהָ֔ר | veyitsehar | HC/Np |
and Izhar | and Yitshar |
H3324-02 |
1 Chronicles 6:23 | יִצְהָ֣ר | yitsehar | HNp |
Izhar | Yitshar |
H3324-02 |
1 Chronicles 23:12 | יִצְהָ֛ר | yitsehar | HNp |
Izhar | Yitshar |
H3324-02 |
1 Chronicles 23:18 | יִצְהָ֖ר | yitsehar | HNp |
Izhar | Yitshar |