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שַׁרְשְׁרָה

𐤔𐤓𐤔𐤓𐤄

sharshᵉrâh

H8333 noun

SILEX Entry

Root שׁרשׁ to root, to fix firmly, to interlink

Definition

A decorative chain or linked ornament, typically made of metal for adornment or architectural embellishment; in some contexts, an ornamental garland or festoon, particularly as an element of temple or tabernacle design. The word can refer to a literal chain (usually metallic, used as jewelry, an emblem of status, or, less commonly, as a functional object), or to decorative elements resembling chains, such as garlands fashioned for ritual or ceremonial purposes.

Semantic Range

ornamental chain, metal necklace or jewelry, decorative garland, architectural festoon, (rare) linked ornament for ceremonial objects

Root / Etymology

From the root שׁרשׁ (ש-ר-ש), meaning 'to root' or 'to be firmly fixed.' The relationship between the verbal root and the nominal form שַׁרְשְׁרָה is likely based on the notion of something interlinked or joined together in a stable, fixed manner, though the precise morphological derivation is debated. Some suggest influence from or affinity with שַׁרְשָׁה (sharshah), another term for chain. The original semantic link to 'root' may pertain to the concept of connectedness or interweaving, as roots intertwine.

Historical & Contextual Notes

שַׁרְשְׁרָה appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, notably in the context of tabernacle or temple ornamentation (e.g., chains of gold on lampstands or priestly garments, Exodus 28:14, 39:15). Such items were often signs of status, sacredness, or beauty. The word's use is limited to ornamental, not punitive (as in shackles) or industrial chains. Later Hebrew and post-biblical literature expand its use to mean more general chains and jewelry. In some English translations, 'chain' may obscure the ornate or decorative nuance of the object, as compared to more functional or punitive chains rendered by other Hebrew words such as עֲבוֹת or נְחֻשְׁתַּיִם. There is overlap with the term עֲבִיּוֹת (aviyyot, chains of the lampstands), but שַׁרְשְׁרָה carries specific connotations of ornamentation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from שָׁרַשׁ (compare שַׁרְשָׁה); a chain; (architectural) probably a garland; chain.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שׁרשׁ (sh-r-sh) — to root, to fix firmly, to interlink

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H8327 שָׁרַשׁ root
H8328 שֶׁרֶשׁ from his roots
H8329 שֶׁרֶשׁ Root

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H8333-02 שַׁרְשְׁרֹת֙ sharesherot HNcfpc chains ornamental chains of 5
H8333-03 וְ/שַׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת vesharesherot HC/Ncfpa and chains interlinked chains 1
H8333-01 בַּֽ/שַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת basharesherot HRd/Ncfpa on the chains in the interlinked chains 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H8333-02 Exodus 28:14 שַׁרְשְׁרֹת֙ sharesherot HNcfpc chains ornamental chains of
H8333-02 Exodus 28:14 שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥ת sharesherot-2 HNcfpa chains ornamental chains of
H8333-02 Exodus 39:15 שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥ת sharesherot HNcfpc chains ornamental chains of
H8333-02 1 Kings 7:17 שַׁרְשְׁר֔וֹת sharesherot HNcfpa chains ornamental chains of
H8333-03 2 Chronicles 3:5 וְ/שַׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת vesharesherot HC/Ncfpa and chains interlinked chains
H8333-02 2 Chronicles 3:16 שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת֙ sharesherot HNcfpa chains ornamental chains of
H8333-01 2 Chronicles 3:16 בַּֽ/שַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת basharesherot HRd/Ncfpa on the chains in the interlinked chains
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