### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zôhar**, represented by `{{H2096}}`, means **brilliancy** or **brightness**. It is derived from the root `{{H2094}}` `zâhar`. This term appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, where it is used to describe a radiant and brilliant appearance, both divine and eschatological.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2096}}` is used in two distinct contexts. In a prophetic vision, Ezekiel describes a divine figure whose upper body had "as the appearance of **brightness**" [[Ezekiel 8:2]], linking the term to the glorious appearance of a heavenly being. The book of Daniel uses the word in a future context, stating that the wise shall shine like "the **brightness** of the firmament" [[Daniel 12:3]], connecting this radiance to the reward of the righteous.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of brilliance and appearance:
* `{{H2094}}` **zâhar** (to gleam; shine; warn): As the root of `{{H2096}}`, this verb carries a dual meaning of both shining and warning. It is used in [[Daniel 12:3]] to describe how the wise "shall **shine**" and in Ezekiel to describe the prophet's duty to **warn** the wicked [[Ezekiel 3:17]].
* `{{H7549}}` **râqîyaʻ** (firmament): This word for the expanse of the sky is directly associated with **zôhar**. The psalmist writes that "the **firmament** sheweth his handywork" [[Psalms 19:1]], and Daniel uses it to provide a simile for the brilliance of the righteous [[Daniel 12:3]].
* `{{H4758}}` **marʼeh** (appearance; sight): This term describes what is seen and is used with **zôhar** in Ezekiel's vision to qualify the nature of the divine brightness [[Ezekiel 8:2]]. God communicates with Moses "apparently" or through a **sight** [[Numbers 12:8]], and this word can also refer to a person's physical countenance [[1 Samuel 16:7]].
* `{{H7919}}` **sâkal** (to be circumspect and hence, intelligent; prosper; understand; be wise): This word is tied to the reward described using **zôhar**. In Daniel, it is those who are **wise** `{{H7919}}` who will shine [[Daniel 12:3]], and Joshua is told he will have good **success** `{{H7919}}` by meditating on the law [[Joshua 1:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2096}}` is focused on divine glory and future hope.
* **Manifestation of Glory:** In Ezekiel's vision, `{{H2096}}` is used to depict the glorious form of a divine being, described with both **fire** `{{H784}}` and **brightness** from the loins upward [[Ezekiel 8:2]]. This directly associates the term with the visual manifestation of heavenly glory.
* **The Reward of the Righteous:** Daniel connects **zôhar** to the eschatological hope of the faithful. The promise that the wise will shine "as the **brightness** of the firmament" [[Daniel 12:3]] portrays future glorification as a state of radiant light.
* **Brightness of Wisdom:** The brilliance described in [[Daniel 12:3]] is specifically for "they that be wise" `{{H7919}}`. This links physical radiance with the spiritual quality of wisdom, suggesting that true understanding results in a glorious state, likened to the stars `{{H3556}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2096}}` **zôhar** is a potent but rare term for **brilliancy**. Though it appears only twice, its usage is significant, describing both the awesome **appearance** `{{H4758}}` of a divine figure and the promised, eternal reward for the wise. It encapsulates a concept of light that is tied to heavenly glory and the ultimate state of the righteous, shining like the **firmament** `{{H7549}}` itself.
TRV