Lexical Summary Tsochar: Brightness, Shining Original Word: צֹחַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zohar From the same as tsachar; whiteness; Tsochar, the name of a Hittite and of an Israelite -- Zohar. Compare Yitschar. see HEBREW tsachar see HEBREW Yitschar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tsachar Definition a Hittite, also two Isr. NASB Translation Zohar (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֹ֫חַר proper name, masculine 1. father of Ephron the Hittite Genesis 23:8; Genesis 25:9, Σααρ. 2 son of Simeon Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15, Σααρ. 3 name in Judah 1 Chronicles 4:7 Qr (וְצֹחַר; Kt יצחר), Σααρ, ᵐ5L Εισαρ. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Overview צֹחַר (Zohar or Tsohar) appears four times in the Old Testament and serves as the personal name of two distinct individuals, one a Hittite patriarch and the other an Israelite. While the name itself conveys the idea of “brightness,” Scripture’s emphasis lies not on etymology but on the redemptive storyline in which these men briefly stand. Occurrences in Scripture Genesis 23:8; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15 Zohar the Hittite Patriarch (Father of Ephron) 1. Context of Abraham’s Purchase. “If you are willing to let me bury my dead, listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf.” (Genesis 23:8) The transaction foreshadows Israel’s eventual inheritance of the land. By purchasing a burial site from a Hittite family of repute, Abraham testifies to both faith in God’s promises and integrity before surrounding nations (compare Hebrews 11:13). Zohar’s line represents the nations among whom God’s redemptive plan unfolds. Zohar the Simeonite 1. Family Listing. “The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman.” (Genesis 46:10; cf. Exodus 6:15) Although Simeon would later be absorbed into Judah’s territory (Joshua 19:1-9), Zohar’s clan shares in the wilderness encampments (Numbers 2:12-13) and the covenant blessings and warnings pronounced on the nation (Deuteronomy 27:12). Every Simeonite name, including Zohar’s, therefore affirms God’s inclusive concern for every family within the covenant community. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. God Works Through Named Individuals. Even fleeting figures such as Zohar demonstrate Scripture’s accuracy and detail. Pastors and teachers can highlight how the biblical record grounds salvation history in real people and verifiable transactions, encouraging confidence in the reliability of God’s Word (Luke 1:1-4). Abraham’s transparent dealings with “Ephron son of Zohar” exemplify ethical engagement with unbelievers, a model echoed in 1 Peter 2:12. Believers today are likewise called to honorable conduct in civic and economic matters. By recording “Zohar” among Israel’s tribes, the Bible underscores that no family is overlooked in God’s redemptive purposes. Modern ministry can draw on this principle to affirm the value of each local church member and household. Lessons for the Church Today • Land, Legacy, and Hope: As Abraham’s only immediate land acquisition, Machpelah—secured through Zohar’s lineage—became a tangible pledge of a future inheritance, paralleling the believer’s “inheritance that can never perish” (1 Peter 1:4). Key Cross-References Genesis 23:17-20 – completion of Abraham’s purchase. Numbers 26:13 – Zohar’s descendants, the clan of Zerah. Joshua 19:1-9 – Simeon’s allotment within Judah. Hebrews 11:13-16 – faith that looks forward to a promised homeland. In sum, the brief appearances of צֹחַר knit together themes of covenant fidelity, ethical witness, and the significance of every family within God’s unfolding salvation plan. Forms and Transliterations וְצֹ֑חַר וְצֹ֔חַר וצחר צֹ֙חַר֙ צֹֽחַר׃ צחר צחר׃ ṣō·ḥar ṣōḥar Tzochar veTzochar wə·ṣō·ḥar wəṣōḥarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 23:8 HEB: בְּעֶפְר֥וֹן בֶּן־ צֹֽחַר׃ NAS: Ephron the son of Zohar for me, KJV: for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, INT: Ephron the son of Zohar Genesis 25:9 Genesis 46:10 Exodus 6:15 4 Occurrences |
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