יִצְהָר (yits.har)
yits.har
Izhar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Izhar is a proper name appearing in six verses across Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Chronicles. It identifies a specific Levite, the son of Kohath and brother to Amram, Hebron, and Uzziel. As a member of this prominent family line, Izhar holds the distinction of being the uncle of Moses and Aaron, placing him directly within the central priestly lineage of Israel.
The name itself carries the meaning "shining oil." In the biblical narrative, he is recorded as the father of Korah, Nepheg, Zichri, and Shelomith. His descendants form a distinct clan known as the Izharites, who served in the Tabernacle duties alongside their cousins. The text uses this name primarily to map the genealogical structure of the Levitical tribe during the wilderness period.
While Izhar himself is not a central character in the narrative action, his lineage is historically significant due to his son Korah. The rebellion led by Korah against Moses and Aaron is one of the most famous challenges to leadership in the Old Testament. Thus, Izhar’s name marks the ancestral root of this pivotal family division within the tribe of Levi.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Izhar appears in the Bible as a link in a long chain of ancestors, specifically identifying the uncle of Moses and Aaron. While he does not lead battles or speak directly to Pharaoh, his presence in the genealogies reminds us that God’s work often flows through ordinary family lines. His name means 'shining oil,' a subtle image of clarity and consecration that hints at the sacred duties his Levitical clan would later perform in the Tabernacle.
For many readers, Izhar is best known as the father of Korah, whose rebellion against Moses is a well-known story of division. Yet, even this difficult family history shows how God uses complete lineages for His purposes. The Izharites served faithfully in temple duties, proving that heritage does not dictate individual faith but provides a context for service.
When we read these lists today, we see that every name matters to the biblical record. You do not need to be a leader to have a place in God’s story. Your own lineage and daily faithfulness contribute to the larger narrative of redemption that culminates in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Izhar4×
- and/ Izhar2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יִצְהָ֔ר2×
- יִצְהָ֥ר1×
- יִצְהָ֛ר1×
- יִצְהָ֖ר1×
- יִצְהָ֑ר1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:18
The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years.
This verse establishes Izhar as a primary son of Kohath, placing him alongside Amram as a foundational figure in the Levitical priestly structure.
-
Numbers 16:1
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took some men.
Here Izhar is identified as the grandfather of Korah, linking the name to one of the most significant challenges to Moses' leadership in the wilderness.
-
I Chronicles 23:18
The son of Izhar: Shelomith the chief.
This later record highlights Shelomith as a chief from Izhar’s line, showing the continued administrative role of his descendants in temple service.