An Aramaic verb meaning to warn, caution, or instruct. It carries the idea of illuminating someone to danger — to shine light on a hazard so they can avoid it. The related Hebrew root means to shine or give light, so warning is conceptually linked to bringing light into darkness. It appears in Ezekiel's description of the prophetic watchman calling.
Zehar captures the solemn prophetic duty to warn. Ezekiel 3 and 33 develop this with stunning clarity: the watchman who sees danger and does not warn is responsible for the blood of those who perish. Warning is not optional for the prophet — it is a matter of life and death. This word thus illuminates the urgency behind true preaching and witness. The good news is not only promise; it is also warning. To love someone is to warn them. The prophetic voice that only comforts without warning is ultimately failing in its duty of love.