שָׂרָף
𐤔𐤓𐤐
Saraf
H8315 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Saraph (proper noun): Name of an individual, specifically an Israelite, occurring in genealogical contexts; refers to a figure listed among the descendants of Judah. The name is derived from the noun meaning 'seraph', a type of burning one, often used with reference to a fiery serpent or heavenly being, but as a proper noun denotes a specific person without those associations.
Semantic Range
personal name (descendant of Judah), rarely as a proper noun; elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible: burning one, fiery serpent, seraph (angelic being)
Root / Etymology
From the root שׂרף (saraf), meaning 'to burn'. The noun שָׂרָף is more commonly used for ‘fiery serpent’ or ‘seraph’ (burning one), but in this instance it functions as a proper name. The root conveys the idea of burning or a burning creature; the use as a personal name likely carries either connotations of strength or some unrecorded familial or cultural reference.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In 1 Chronicles 4:22, שָׂרָף (Saraph) is listed as a descendant of Shelah, son of Judah, and therefore is understood as an Israelite and more specifically as a member of the tribe of Judah (Judahite). The use here is entirely as a proper name and does not retain the mythological or symbolic sense associated with 'seraphim' or 'fiery serpents' found elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. Later English translations sometimes confuse this entry with the angelic or serpentine meaning, but the historical context is strictly genealogical, with no supernatural connotations. There is no evidence this name was widespread or that it referenced the same conceptual background as שָׂרָף used for fiery beings. The English translation 'Saraph' is an attempt to render the personal name without interpretation, though older translations may attempt to connect it to 'fiery serpent' or angelic 'seraph'.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as שָׂרָף; Saraph, an Israelite; Saraph.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂרף (ś-r-p̄) — to burn, to consume by fire, to destroy by fire
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4956 | מִשְׂרְפוֹת מַיִם | Burning-Places of the Waters |
| H8313 | שָׂרַף | the burned-up ones |
| H8314 | שָׂרָף | and he burned |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8315-01 |
וְ/שָׂרָ֛ף | vesaraf | HC/Np |
and Saraph | and he burned | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8315-01 |
1 Chronicles 4:22 | וְ/שָׂרָ֛ף | vesaraf | HC/Np |
and Saraph | and he burned |