סַהַר
𐤎𐤄𐤓
çahar
H5469 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A circular or rounded shape; roundness as an attribute or quality, typically referencing the physical characteristic of being circular, curved, or spherical. In biblical usage, the term specifically refers to a round or circular object, most notably the round battlements or parapets atop a city wall.
Semantic Range
roundness, circularity, circular battlement, curved parapet, round-shaped structure
Root / Etymology
From the root סהר, possibly related to the concept of being round or circular; although the root is unattested elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible, it may be connected to similar Semitic roots indicating roundness or circularity. The form suggests a noun of shape or state, rather than a concrete object. Etymology uncertain beyond this.
Historical & Contextual Notes
סַהַר occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in Isaiah 29:3, where it refers to the 'round' (or circular) ramparts or outworks built around a besieged city. The term does not refer to a specific structural element with a fixed architectural design, but to any circular or curved parapet or defensive structure. Later rabbinic usage and medieval lexicographers continued to associate סַהַר with circularity. English translations often render it as 'battlement,' 'turret,' or 'round,' which may obscure the general sense of roundness or circular form. There is no direct evidence connecting סַהַר to terms for the moon, despite some assumptions based on phonetic similarity to Arabic or later Hebrew. Its usage is specialized and does not contribute to broader theological or symbolic vocabulary. In post-biblical Hebrew, other words (like עגול) become more common for 'roundness.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to be round; roundness; round.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סהר (s-h-r) — roundness, circularity, encircling
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5469-01 |
הַ/סַּ֔הַר | hasahar | HTd/Ncmsa |
the-moon | the circular battlement | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5469-01 |
Song of Songs 7:3 | הַ/סַּ֔הַר | hasahar | HTd/Ncmsa |
the-moon | the circular battlement |