← H8284 H8286 →

שֵׁרָה

𐤔𐤓𐤄

shêrâh

H8285 noun

SILEX Entry

Root שָׁרַר to bind tightly, press firmly, be strong

Definition

An ornament or band worn around the wrist, typically as a bracelet or armlet, often of precious metal or material, worn as jewelry or a mark of status. In biblical contexts, שֵׁרָה refers specifically to a wrist ornament, often given as a gift or worn to signify adornment, beauty, or social standing. The term is associated with items that encircle or clasp the wrist closely.

Semantic Range

bracelet, wrist-band, armlet, ornament for the wrist, clasping ornament

Root / Etymology

From the root שָׁרַר, meaning 'to tie tightly, bind firmly, be strong.' שֵׁרָה is a feminine noun formed from this root, referring to an object that encircles or binds, particularly the wrist. The root sense is one of binding or pressing together, which informs the physical function of a bracelet as a band that clasps the wrist.

Historical & Contextual Notes

שֵׁרָה appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, notably in Genesis 24:22, where it describes a bracelet given by Abraham's servant to Rebekah. The term is used for a precious ornament, often made of gold, worn by women and sometimes associated with ceremonial or betrothal contexts. While the general cultural custom of wearing wrist ornaments is attested throughout the ancient Near East, the particular Hebrew term שֵׁרָה is distinct from other words for jewelry (such as צָמִיד), the latter also sometimes translated as 'bracelet' but more generally denoting a clasp or fastener. In standard English translations, 'bracelet' is used, but this sometimes obscures nuances such as the focus on clasping or strength inherent in the Hebrew. The usage does not carry overt ritual, religious, or tribal significance—it is a term of adornment and, at times, of social or economic status. No significant semantic shift appears within the biblical period, and its post-biblical use is sparse.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from שָׁרַר in its original sense of pressing; a wrist-band (as compact or clasping); bracelet.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

שרר (sh-r-r) — bind tightly, press firmly, be strong

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H5371 נֵרְגַּל שַׁרְאֶצֶר ruling-official
H5493 סוּר ruling chief
H5620 סַר ruling-official
H8269 שַׂר among rulers
H8270 שֹׁר to your navel-cord

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H8285-01 וְ/הַ/שֵּׁיר֖וֹת vehasheyrot HC/Td/Ncbpa and the bracelets and the wrist-bands 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H8285-01 Isaiah 3:19 וְ/הַ/שֵּׁיר֖וֹת vehasheyrot HC/Td/Ncbpa and the bracelets and the wrist-bands
← H8284 Hebrew Lexicon H8286 →