za.har denotes giving a warning and, in Niphal forms, heeding or taking that warning.

The predominant use is issuing a warning to people so that they may avoid guilt, danger, or a wrongful way; Niphal forms describe the corresponding response of taking that warning. The supplied verses show both a public warning given by an appointed speaker and an individual's failure or willingness to heed it.

1. Give a warning to avert danger or wrongdoing · dominant

   Hiphil forms describe addressing others with a warning: in Ezekiel 33:8 the APB renders the clause "speak to warn the wicked from his way," while Ezekiel 3:21 places the warning before the righteous man's not sinning. In Exodus 18:20, the warning concerns statutes and instructions, and 2 Chronicles 19:10 links it with avoiding guilt and wrath.

   Ezekiel 33:8Ezekiel 3:21Exodus 18:202 Chronicles 19:10Ezekiel 33:32 Kings 6:10
2. Take or fail to take a warning · common

   Niphal forms portray the person who receives the warning: in Ezekiel 33:4 the APB renders a hearer who "does not take warning," whereas Ezekiel 33:5 contrasts him with one who "takes warning" and thereby delivers his own soul. Ecclesiastes 12:12 addresses a son with "be warned," and Ecclesiastes 4:13 describes a king who does not know how to take warning.

   Ezekiel 33:4Ezekiel 33:5Ezekiel 33:6Ecclesiastes 12:12Ecclesiastes 4:13Ezekiel 3:21

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the supplied verses, the APB commonly uses "warn" for the Hiphil clauses and "take warning" or "be warned" for Niphal clauses. In Psalm 19:12, the supplied APB does not make the participle's contribution explicit, so its specific rendering there cannot be isolated from the translation.