שַׁרְשָׁה
𐤔𐤓𐤔𐤄
sharshâh
H8331 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of chain or linked ornament, likely fashioned from interlocked elements; refers specifically to an object composed of a series of connected parts, often metallic, used as a decorative or functional accessory. The term implies emphasis on the interconnection or 'rootedness' of its links, rather than merely a cord or band.
Semantic Range
chain, necklace chain, ornamental chain, linked piece, adornment chain, chain for the ephod or breastpiece, connector chain
Root / Etymology
From the root שָׁרַשׁ (sh-r-sh), meaning 'to root,' with the nominal form שַׁרְשָׁה formed as a feminine derivative likely denoting an object characterized by rooted or interconnected elements. The connection between the root 'to root' and the object 'chain' is metaphorical, by analogy with the way chains interlock like roots or tendrils.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שַׁרְשָׁה appears in biblical texts where ornamental chains or decorative jewelry are described, especially related to priestly or tabernacle appointments (e.g., Exodus 28:14, 39:15), where they often serve as attachment mechanisms for sacred garments or objects. The term is closely related to שַׁרְשְׁרָה (sharsh'rah), which also denotes a chain, though some suggest a difference in grammatical nuance or specific type. English translations usually render the word as 'chain,' but this may not reflect subtleties of construction or ceremonial use. Over time, the term retained its focus on linked ornamentation and was not generalized to all types of chains (such as fetters or bonds, which use other terms). There is no strong evidence for the word extending to other objects beyond this decorative or connecting purpose in the Hebrew Bible. Later rabbinic usage sometimes blurred this distinction.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁרַשׁ; a chain (as rooted, i.e. linked); chain. Compare שַׁרְשְׁרָה.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שרש (sh-r-sh) — to root, fix, take root, be established
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H8327 | שָׁרַשׁ | causing to take root |
| H8330 | שֹׁרֶשׁ | his roots |
| H8332 | שְׁרֹשׁוּ | for forced uprooting |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8331-01 |
שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת | shareshot | HNcfpc |
chains | root-linked chains of | root-linked chains of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8331-01 |
Exodus 28:22 | שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת | shareshot | HNcfpc |
chains | root-linked chains of | root-linked chains of |