צַחַר
𐤑𐤇𐤓
tsachar
H6713 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A brilliant or dazzling whiteness; specifically, a bright, shining white hue. In the only biblical occurrence, it describes distinctive features (likely referring to body parts such as teeth) marked by their vivid, gleaming whiteness, emphasizing radiance rather than a dull or matte white.
Semantic Range
brilliant whiteness, dazzling radiance, shining white, gleaming white appearance; in context, radiant physical feature (e.g., teeth, body)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root צחר, which is not otherwise attested in the Hebrew Bible. The root is thought to convey the idea of shining or dazzling, related to brightness or brilliance, especially as seen in a white reflecting or emitting light. Thus, the noun form denotes a particular quality of whiteness that is radiant or gleaming, not simply pale or colorless. While the exact root meaning is 'to dazzle, be radiant,' the actual noun signifies 'gleaming whiteness.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
צַחַר appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Song of Songs 5:10, where it is used of an individual's physical appearance, suggesting a vivid, lustrous whiteness that connotes beauty and purity. Unlike the more common word for 'white' (לָבָן, lavan), which indicates a plain or basic whiteness, צַחַר emphasizes radiance and brilliance, possibly evoking imagery of sunlit sheen or polished ivory. There is no evidence in the biblical record of a specific group or object commonly described by this term, and it is not used as an ethnonym or geographic designation. In post-biblical Hebrew, the root is also rare, and later Jewish tradition does not standardize the term for broader use. English translations (such as 'white' or 'bright') may miss the nuance of radiance and dazzling luster implicit in the term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to dazzle; sheen, i.e. whiteness; white.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צחר (ts-ḥ-r) — to dazzle, shine, radiate brightness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6713-01 |
צָֽחַר | tsachar | HNcmsa |
white | gleaming whiteness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6713-01 |
Ezekiel 27:18 | צָֽחַר | tsachar | HNcmsa |
white | gleaming whiteness |