צֹ֫הַר (tso.har)
tso.har
midday; roof
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tsohar primarily denotes midday or noon, marking the specific time when the sun stands at its highest point. In biblical narratives, it often serves as a precise temporal marker, such as when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal during the time of the evening sacrifice, though the concept of high noon underscores the intensity and visibility of divine moments.
Less commonly, the term appears in Genesis 6:16 regarding Noah’s ark, where its meaning is debated. Some scholars suggest it refers to a roof or window-like opening for light, while others maintain it signifies a "daylight" feature. This ambiguity highlights how ancient architectural terms can blur with temporal ones, depending on context.
Symbolically, tsohar carries positive connotations, likening blessings and happiness to the brightness of midday sun. This imagery reflects a cultural association between daylight and divine favor, contrasting with darkness or obscurity. The word’s dual usage—both literal time and metaphorical light—reveals how Hebrew poetry weaves concrete details into spiritual truths.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tsohar points to the height of the day, when the sun is brightest and shadows are shortest. In Scripture, this time often marks moments of clarity or intense exposure. It reminds us that God sees all things in the light of His presence. There is comfort in knowing that no part of our lives remains hidden from Him.
While the word can also refer to an opening for light in a structure, its primary use highlights the power of daylight. Just as noon reveals what is hidden in darkness, God’s truth brings understanding to confusion. We can trust that He guides us through both the bright and dark seasons of life with steady care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at <the>/ noon<s>8×
- the/ noontide<s>3×
- at the/ noontide<s>3×
- noon<s>2×
- like the/ noontide<s>1×
- in the/ noontide<s>1×
- and/ more than/ noon<s>1×
- a roof1×
- [will be] like the/ noon<s>1×
- [the] noon<s>1×
- <the>/ noon<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּֽ/צָּהֳרָ֑יִם5×
- צָהֳרָֽיִם\׃2×
- כַּֽ/צָּהֳרָֽיִם\׃2×
- צֹ֣הַר\׀1×
- צָהֳרָ֑יִם1×
- וּֽ֭/מִ/צָּהֳרַיִם1×
- הַֽ/צָּהֳרָֽיִם\׃1×
- הַֽ/צָּהֳרַ֖יִם1×
- הַֽ/צָּהֳרַ֔יִם1×
- הַ/צָּהֳרַ֤יִם1×
- בַּֽ/צָּהֳרָֽיִם\׃1×
- בַּֽ/צָּהֳרַ֙יִם֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 18:27
At noon, Elijah mocked them, and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is deep in thought, or he has gone somewhere, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he sleeps and must be awakened.”
Elijah uses the certainty of midday to expose the silence of false gods, showing how God’s truth stands out clearly against human emptiness.
-
Psalms 37:6
he will make your righteousness shine out like light, and your justice as the noon day sun.
The psalmist compares righteousness to the noon sun, illustrating that God’s justice eventually shines with undeniable clarity for those who trust Him.
-
Genesis 6:16
You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels.
This unique architectural reference suggests a light source within the ark, symbolizing how God provides hope and visibility even in times of judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tsohar mean in the Bible?
Why is tsohar used in I Kings 18?
How is tsohar different from other words for day?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 12 books)
Genesis 3 verses
You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its…
Genesis 43:16When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an…
Genesis 43:25They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.