Bible Dictionary

Zohar

People & Groups • Old Testament

The name of Ephron’s father and of a son of Simeon. The Simeonite Zohar is identified with Zerah in another genealogy.

Definition

Zohar was the name of Ephron the Hittite’s father and of a son of Simeon. The Simeonite Zohar is identified with Zerah in another genealogy.

Biblical Usage

Zohar appears in the account of Ephron the Hittite and in the genealogies of Simeon. A further textual form in 1 Chronicles is associated with Izhar.

Historical Background

The meaning of the name is uncertain, though it has been rendered “brightness” or “light.”

Scripture References

Genesis 23:8 Genesis 46:10 Exodus 6:15 Genesis 25:9 1 Chronicles 4:24

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Brightness. (1.) The father of Ephron the Hittite (Gen. 23:8). (2.) One of the sons of Simeon (Gen. 46:10; Ex. 6:15).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(light).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

zo'-har (tsochar, meaning uncertain):(1) Father of Ephron the Hittite (Ge 23:8; 25:9).(2) "Son" of Simeon (Ge 46:10; Ex 6:15) = "Zerah" of Nu 26:13; 1Ch 4:24.See ZERAH, 4.(3) In 1Ch 4:7, where the Qere is "and tsochar" for the Kethibh is yitschar, the Revised Version (British and American) "Izhar," the King James Version wrongly "Jezoar."

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