from an unused root meaning to be round; roundness; round.
Transliteration:çahar
Pronunciation:cah'-har
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word סַהַר (çahar, `{{H5469}}`) derives from an unused root that conveys the idea of "to be round." Its core meaning, therefore, is "roundness" or "round," describing a physical shape. This foundational understanding points to a circular or crescent-like form. Its usage in the Hebrew Bible is notably singular, appearing only once in the plural form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word çahar (`{{H5469}}`) appears exclusively in [[Isaiah 3:18]], in the plural form הַשַּׂהֲרוֹנִים (*haśśaharōnîm*), typically translated as "crescent ornaments" or "moon-shaped pendants." The verse reads: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, the crescent ornaments,..."
The context is crucial: Isaiah's prophetic indictment against the proud and luxurious women of Jerusalem. The "crescent ornaments" are listed among various items of adornment that symbolize their vanity, excessive wealth, and perhaps even their spiritual apostasy. The Septuagint's translation, *mênískous* (little moons), further emphasizes the moon-like shape.
A parallel usage of *śaharōnîm* is found in [[Judges 8:21]] and [[Judges 8:26]], where these crescent ornaments are described as being worn by the camels of the Midianite kings. In that context, they may have served as cultic symbols or amulets, possibly related to moon worship, which was prevalent in the ancient Near East. This background suggests that in Isaiah 3, the ornaments were not merely decorative but potentially carried pagan connotations, linking the wearers to idolatrous practices. The removal of these items signifies divine judgment, stripping away their symbols of pride, status, and spiritual corruption, leading to humiliation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that çahar (`{{H5469}}`) stems from an unused root, there are no direct Hebrew cognates sharing the same etymological origin. However, conceptually, it relates to:
* **Ornaments and Adornment:** The word is grouped with other items of jewelry and finery such as anklets (`{{H5914}}`, 'ekes) and headbands (`{{H7475}}`, ra'alâh), highlighting its function as a decorative item.
* **Idolatry and Paganism:** The moon-shaped form strongly suggests a connection to moon worship, a common form of idolatry in the ancient world (cf. `{{H3394}}`, yārēaḥ, "moon," often associated with deities like the Mesopotamian god Sin). The association with Midianite kings' camels in Judges strengthens this potential link, implying these were not just fashion accessories but possibly apotropaic or cultic symbols.
* **Shape and Form:** While not directly related by root, the word contributes to the vocabulary describing physical shapes, specifically "roundness" or "crescent."
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of çahar (`{{H5469}}`) in [[Isaiah 3:18]] carries profound theological weight within the broader context of Isaiah's prophecy. It underscores several key themes:
* **Divine Judgment on Pride and Vanity:** The "crescent ornaments" are part of a list of items that God will strip away from the women of Jerusalem, symbolizing the humiliation and reversal of fortunes for those who rely on outward displays of wealth and status rather than on God. This serves as a powerful indictment against human arrogance and self-sufficiency.
* **Rejection of Idolatry:** If, as strongly suggested by the context in Judges and the general ancient Near Eastern religious landscape, these ornaments carried pagan connotations related to moon worship, then their removal signifies God's absolute rejection of idolatry among His people. It demonstrates His sole sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship.
* **Call to Spiritual Purity:** The stripping away of these symbols of material and spiritual corruption is a part of God's purification process. It calls His people to internal righteousness and a true relationship with Him, rather than focusing on external adornment or illicit spiritual practices.
* **The Nature of True Beauty:** By removing these superficial and potentially idolatrous adornments, God implicitly teaches that true beauty and security are not found in outward show or pagan protection, but in a covenantal relationship with Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סַהַר (çahar, `{{H5469}}`) primarily denotes "roundness" or a "round" object. Its sole appearance in the Hebrew Bible is in [[Isaiah 3:18]], where its plural form, *śaharōnîm*, refers to "crescent ornaments." These moon-shaped pendants, possibly carrying pagan associations as suggested by their use on Midianite camels in the book of Judges, are listed among the items of finery that the Lord will strip away from the women of Jerusalem. This act symbolizes divine judgment against human pride, vanity, and potential idolatry. Though rare, the word powerfully contributes to Isaiah's prophetic message, highlighting God's commitment to purify His people by removing all outward displays of arrogance and symbols of false worship, calling them to an exclusive and humble dependence upon Him.
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