The Hebrew name Tsôchar, represented by H6714, means whiteness. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify two individuals: one Hittite and one Israelite, playing a role in genealogies and significant land transactions.
In the biblical narrative, H6714 first appears in the context of Abraham seeking a burial place for Sarah. He communed H1696 with the Hittites to intreat H6293 for him to Ephron the son H1121 of Zohar Genesis 23:8. Later, this location is identified as the field H7704 of Ephron the son H1121 of Zohar the Hittite H2850 Genesis 25:9. The name also appears in Israelite genealogies as one of the sons H1121 of Simeon H8095 (Genesis 46:10, Exodus 6:15). A variant, Jezoar, is listed as a son H1121 of Helah H2458 1 Chronicles 4:7.
Several related words help clarify the context in which Zohar appears:
- H1121 bên (son): Meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," this word is critical for establishing the identity of Zohar either as a father or a son. It is used to describe Ephron as the "son of Zohar" Genesis 23:8 and Zohar as a "son of Simeon" Genesis 46:10.
- H2850 Chittîy (Hittite): This term, meaning "a Chittite, or descendant of Cheth," defines the national identity of the first Zohar mentioned, connecting him to the people from whom Abraham purchased his first land in Canaan Genesis 25:9.
- H8095 Shimʻôwn (Simeon): As "one of Jacob's sons," this name establishes the tribal lineage for the Israelite Zohar, placing him within the recorded families H4940 of Israel Exodus 6:15.
The significance of H6714 is rooted in its role within broader narratives of lineage and inheritance.
- Genealogical Anchor: The name Zohar functions as a genealogical marker, defining identity through parentage. This is seen in its use for both Zohar the Hittite H2850, father of Ephron Genesis 25:9, and Zohar the Israelite, son H1121 of Simeon Genesis 46:10.
- Land Transaction: Zohar the Hittite is tied to the foundational story of Abraham purchasing the cave H4631 of Machpelah H4375. The transaction with "Ephron the son of Zohar" secured the first property owned by the patriarchs in Canaan, which served as their burial place Genesis 23:8.
- Tribal Record: The listing of Zohar among the sons of Simeon in Genesis and Exodus highlights the careful preservation of tribal records. These lists of families H4940 were essential for establishing the structure of the Israelite nation Exodus 6:15.
In summary, Tsôchar H6714 is a personal name that, while infrequent, is embedded in crucial biblical accounts. It connects the story of Abraham's first land acquisition in the promised land to the formal genealogies of the tribes of Israel. The name demonstrates how individuals, whether Israelite or Hittite, play a part in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant history through their recorded lineage and actions.
TRV