Bible Word Study
זְהַר
zᵉhar · (passively) be admonished
זְהַר
(passively) be admonished
Definition
The Aramaic noun זְהַר (zᵉhar) means 'to be admonished' or 'to take heed.' It conveys the idea of receiving a warning or caution, often from a position of authority, and responding with careful attention. In its sole biblical occurrence in Ezra 4:22, it is used in the context of a royal decree from King Artaxerxes, instructing local officials to 'take heed' and cease interfering with the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The sense is passive, indicating the state of being warned and the resulting obligation to act accordingly.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Ezra (Ezra 4:22). It is used in a formal, imperial context within a letter from King Artaxerxes of Persia to his provincial governors. The usage is imperative, issuing a direct command to 'take heed' and avoid further action against the Jewish community in Jerusalem, showcasing its function in legal and administrative warnings.
Etymology
זְהַר is an Aramaic noun corresponding to the Hebrew verb זָהַר (zāhar, H2094), which means 'to shine' or 'to give light,' and by extension, 'to warn' or 'to admonish.' The semantic development connects the concept of 'shining' light on a matter to making it clear and providing caution. This Aramaic form is used specifically in the post-exilic period within official Persian correspondence.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word highlights the theme of divine providence working through human authority. In Ezra 4:22, the Persian king's admonition to 'take heed' indirectly facilitates God's plan for Jerusalem's restoration. It reminds readers that God can use secular decrees to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing the importance of heeding warnings that align with His will. Understanding this Aramaic term enriches the reading of Ezra by underscoring the formal, authoritative nature of the divine protection over His people. In its original setting, זְהַר reflects the formal language of the Persian imperial administration. Aramaic was the lingua franca of diplomacy and governance in the ancient Near East during the post-exilic period. The word's use in a royal decree signifies a binding command from the highest authority, requiring immediate compliance from provincial officials. This differs from a simple suggestion; it carries the weight of law and potential punishment for disobedience. זָהַר (zāhar, H2094) — The Hebrew root verb meaning 'to warn' or 'to admonish,' with an active sense of giving a warning, whereas זְהַר is a passive Aramaic noun for being warned. שָׁמַר (shāmar, H8104) — A common Hebrew verb meaning 'to keep, guard, observe,' often used for heeding commands or covenants, but with a broader sense of ongoing care, not solely reaction to a warning.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]