The Hebrew zohar (H2096) means brilliant radiance or shining brightness. Its most theologically significant occurrence is in Daniel 12:3: 'Those who are wise will shine like the brightness (zohar) of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.' This verse gives the word an eschatological dimension β the righteous, in the resurrection age, shine with divine brightness.
Zohar in Daniel 12:3 is a resurrection promise β those who impart wisdom and lead others to righteousness will bear a glory analogous to the heavens themselves. This connects to NT language about believers shining as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15) and the transformation of the righteous at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:40-41). The concept resonates with the Transfiguration β Christ's face shining like the sun β as a foretaste of the glorified state. To be 'wise' in the biblical sense is not intellectual achievement but covenant faithfulness that radiates God's glory.