זֹ֫הַר (zo.har)
zo.har
brightness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zoḥar denotes brightness or shining light. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 12:3, where it describes the radiance of those who lead many to righteousness. The word captures a visible, intense glow rather than a gentle illumination.
This rare term emphasizes the outward manifestation of glory. In its single biblical context, it serves as a metaphor for the moral and spiritual clarity that results from faithful living. The sources confirm its meaning as simple shining, without additional theological layers beyond this vivid imagery.
Translators typically render zoḥar as "bright" or "shining," preserving the concrete visual quality of the original. Its scarcity in Scripture highlights the specific image Daniel employs to contrast the wisdom of the righteous with the darkness of the age.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zoḥar describes a bright, shining light that stands out clearly against its surroundings. In Daniel 12:3, it is used to describe those who lead others toward righteousness. This image suggests that faithful living produces a visible glow, much like stars shining in the night sky. It is not a hidden quality but something evident to everyone.
For your daily walk, this offers a gentle encouragement. You do not need to manufacture this light through perfect performance. Instead, it grows naturally as you stay close to God and help others find truth. The brightness comes from His presence working through you. It is a quiet confidence that shines even in dark times.
This promise reminds us that our efforts to do right have lasting value. Just as stars remain visible over time, the impact of a faithful life endures. We can trust that God sees our steps and uses them to bring clarity to those around us. This hope steadies our hearts when we feel unseen or uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ [the] shining of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/זֹ֣הַר1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever.
This verse uniquely applies zoḥar to the radiant outcome of turning many to righteousness, linking moral faithfulness with visible glory.