from the same as צַחַר; whiteness; Tsochar, the name of a Hittite and of an Israelite; Zohar. Compare יִצְחַר.
Transliteration:Tsôchar
Pronunciation:tso'-khar
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6714 (צֹחַר, Tsôchar) is primarily a proper noun, serving as a personal name in the biblical text. Its base definition indicates derivation "from the same as צַחַר" (tsachar), which denotes "whiteness" or "dazzling brightness." Therefore, the underlying semantic range of the root suggests qualities of purity, brilliance, or a light complexion. While H6714 itself functions as an identifier for individuals, the etymological connection implies that the name Tsôchar or Zohar would have carried connotations of "whiteness" or "brightness" for ancient Hebrew speakers, aligning with common practices of naming children with attributes or hopes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H6714 appears in the Old Testament in two distinct contexts, referring to two different individuals:
* **Tsôchar, the Hittite:** This individual is mentioned in [[Genesis 23:8]] as the father of Ephron the Hittite. The context is Abraham's negotiation for the purchase of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah. Tsôchar is identified solely by his paternal relationship to Ephron, playing no active role in the narrative. His name simply serves to establish the lineage of Ephron, a key figure in this significant land transaction.
* **Zohar, the Israelite:** In [[1 Chronicles 4:7]], Zohar is listed as a son of Helah and Ashhur, a father of Tekoa, from the tribe of Judah. This occurrence is found within the extensive genealogical lists of the book of Chronicles, which aim to preserve the tribal lineages and establish the heritage of Israel. Similar to the Hittite Tsôchar, this Zohar is mentioned purely as an entry in a family tree, with no accompanying narrative details or character descriptions.
In both instances, the word functions strictly as a proper noun for identification, and the etymological meaning of "whiteness" is not explicitly highlighted or elaborated upon in the biblical text concerning these individuals.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is צַחַר (tsachar), the root from which H6714 is derived, signifying "to be white," "gleaming," or "dazzling." This root is foundational to understanding the potential meaning behind the name.
Another related term, noted in the Strong's definition for comparison, is יִצְחַר (Yitschar, `{{H3323}}`). While phonetically similar and possibly sharing a common linguistic ancestry related to brightness or shining (from צָהַר, to shine), Yitschar (Izhar) is a distinct name, borne by a son of Kohath and grandson of Levi ([[Exodus 6:18]], [[Numbers 3:19]]). The comparison highlights a family of words in Hebrew that convey concepts of light, purity, or brilliance.
More broadly, the concept of "whiteness" itself is a significant motif in biblical thought, often symbolized by words like לָבָן (lavan, `{{H3835}}`) or צַח (tsach, `{{H6703}}`). This symbolism extends to purity, righteousness, cleansing, and divine glory. While H6714 is a proper name, its root connects it to this rich theological vocabulary.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, H6714 does not carry direct theological doctrine in itself. Its primary function is onomastic, serving to identify historical individuals. However, the etymological root צחר (whiteness/brightness) imbues the name with an implicit theological resonance.
In the biblical worldview, "whiteness" is a powerful symbol consistently associated with:
* **Purity and Holiness:** Garments made white often signify purification and spiritual cleansing ([[Isaiah 1:18]], [[Revelation 7:14]]).
* **Divine Glory and Presence:** Descriptions of God's appearance or heavenly beings frequently involve dazzling whiteness ([[Daniel 7:9]], [[Matthew 17:2]] - Transfiguration, where Jesus' clothes became "as white as the light").
* **Righteousness:** The righteous are sometimes depicted in white, symbolizing their blamelessness before God ([[Revelation 3:4-5]]).
* **Victory and Triumph:** White horses often symbolize victory or divine judgment ([[Revelation 6:2]], [[Revelation 19:11]]).
While the individuals named Tsôchar or Zohar in Scripture are not portrayed in a manner that explicitly highlights these attributes, the very name would have subtly evoked these deeper theological and symbolic associations for a Hebrew audience. It serves as a reminder of how even seemingly simple names can be rooted in a language's profound conceptual framework, reflecting aspirations for purity, light, or divine favor.
### Summary
H6714 (צֹחַר, Tsôchar/Zohar) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from a root meaning "whiteness" or "brightness." It designates two distinct individuals in the Old Testament: Ephron the Hittite's father in [[Genesis 23:8]] and an Israelite from the tribe of Judah in [[1 Chronicles 4:7]]. In both instances, the name functions purely for identification within historical and genealogical records, with no narrative elaboration on the individuals' character or actions. Despite its nominal function, the etymological connection to "whiteness" links H6714 to a significant biblical motif. This motif of whiteness frequently symbolizes purity, holiness, divine glory, righteousness, and cleansing from sin throughout Scripture. Thus, while the biblical text does not explicitly draw attention to these symbolic meanings in the specific contexts of Tsôchar's mention, the name itself carries an implicit resonance with these profound theological concepts.
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