צֹ֫חַר (tso.char)
tso.char
Zohar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tsohar, meaning "tawny" or "yellowish," appears in the Hebrew Bible as a personal identifier for several distinct individuals during the patriarchal and tribal periods. Its primary biblical significance lies in its use for the father of Ephron the Hittite, a figure who plays a crucial role in Genesis 23 when Abraham negotiates to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah.
Lexical sources note that this name is also applied to one of the sons of Simeon, mentioned in genealogies such as Genesis 46:10 and Numbers 26:13. In these instances, the text sometimes equates him with Zerah, suggesting a possible textual variation or alternative tradition for the same ancestor. The name thus connects both the Hittite lineage involved in early land transactions and the tribal structure of Simeon.
While the etymology points to a physical descriptor like skin tone or hair color, the name’s theological weight comes from its context. It marks individuals who facilitate key moments in Israel’s history, whether through property negotiations that secure ancestral graves or through lineage records that establish tribal identity. The recurrence of the name highlights how personal identities were woven into the broader narrative of covenant and community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zohar appears in Scripture as a quiet marker of connection between different peoples. In Genesis 23, it identifies the father of Ephron, the Hittite who sold Abraham the cave of Machpelah. This transaction was not merely a business deal; it secured the first piece of land promised to Abraham’s descendants. The name here signals a bridge between the patriarch and the local inhabitants, showing how God’s promises often unfold through unexpected relationships.
Later, Zohar appears in genealogies as a son of Simeon. These lists may seem like dry records, but they affirm that every family line matters to God. Whether connected to the Hittites or the tribe of Simeon, names like Zohar remind us that our identities are woven into a larger story. We are part of a community that stretches across generations and cultures.
When we read these verses, we see that God uses ordinary people and places to fulfill His purposes. The name itself may mean "tawny" or "yellowish," but its true significance lies in the roles these individuals played. They helped secure burial grounds for ancestors and established tribal identities. This invites us to trust that our own lives, however small they seem, are part of God’s faithful plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Zohar3×
- Zohar2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צֹֽחַר\׃1×
- צֹ֙חַר֙1×
- וְ/צֹ֖חַר1×
- וְ/צֹ֔חַר1×
- וְ/צֹ֑חַר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 23:8
He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
This verse shows Abraham specifically requesting Ephron's intercession, highlighting Zohar as the patriarch behind the land transaction that secured Abraham's burial site.
-
Genesis 25:9
Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is near Mamre,
Here the name confirms the location of the cave of Machpelah through Ephron's lineage, linking the purchase to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.
-
Genesis 46:10
The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.
This genealogy lists Zohar as a son of Simeon, showing how the name appears in tribal records distinct from the Hittite connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zohar mean?
Who is Zohar in Genesis 23?
Is Zohar the same as Zerah?
Why does Zohar appear in genealogies?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Genesis 3 verses
He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to…
Genesis 25:9Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite,…
Genesis 46:10The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.