### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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