Lexical Summary zohar: Brightness, Splendor Original Word: זֹהַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brightness From zahar; brilliancy -- brightness. see HEBREW zahar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zahar Definition shining, brightness NASB Translation brightness (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs זֹ֫הַר noun [masculine] shining, brightness (Arabic  , Late Hebrew זְהוֺר, compare Aramaic זִיהֲרָא); — absolute Ezekiel 8:2 ׳כְּמַרְאֵה ז like an appearance of shining (explained, vb, as resembling amber, חַשְׁמַל compare Ezekiel 1:27); also construct Daniel 12:3 see foregoing. Topical Lexicon Overview The Hebrew term זֹהַר occurs twice in the Old Testament, each time portraying an intense, dazzling luminosity. Though rare, its impact is profound, framing both a vision of divine presence and a promise of eschatological glory. Biblical Occurrences 1. Ezekiel 8:2 — the prophet beholds a heavenly figure whose upper body emits “the brilliance of amber”. Radiance in Prophetic Vision: Ezekiel 8 Ezekiel’s temple vision is one of judgment, yet it begins with overwhelming splendor. The brilliant figure commands attention before exposing hidden idolatry (Ezekiel 8:5–18). The imagery underscores that divine glory cannot be mixed with profanation. Holiness, not spectacle, is the true heart of worship. Radiance in Eschatological Promise: Daniel 12 Daniel 12 links wisdom and righteousness to heavenly brightness. Those who grasp God’s revelation and lead others to covenant faithfulness will beam with enduring glory. The passage places moral insight above political power, guaranteeing that the faithful, not the mighty, inherit lasting honor. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of God’s Nature. In Ezekiel, dazzling brilliance communicates transcendence and purity (compare Exodus 24:17; Revelation 1:14–16). Historical Reception • Second Temple Judaism read Daniel 12:3 as a cornerstone for the hope of resurrection and reward. Practical Ministry Insights • Teaching: Emphasize that true wisdom radiates outward, drawing others to righteousness rather than self-exaltation. Christological Foreshadowing The blazing figure of Ezekiel 8 prefigures the incarnate Son, whose unveiled glory blinded Saul (Acts 9:3–5) and will illuminate the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:23). Daniel’s promise of shared brightness finds its fulfillment in union with Christ, “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3). Summary זֹהַר encapsulates the splendor of God and the destiny of His people: an unblemished, everlasting brilliance that both judges and redeems. It calls believers to revere divine holiness, pursue wisdom, and live in anticipation of sharing the radiant glory of their Lord. Forms and Transliterations זֹ֖הַר זהר כְּזֹ֣הַר כזהר kə·zō·har keZohar kəzōhar zō·har Zohar zōharLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 8:2 HEB: וּלְמַ֔עְלָה כְּמַרְאֵה־ זֹ֖הַר כְּעֵ֥ין הַחַשְׁמַֽלָה׃ NAS: the appearance of brightness, like the appearance KJV: as the appearance of brightness, as the colour INT: and upward the appearance of brightness the appearance of glowing Daniel 12:3 2 Occurrences |
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