סֶרֶד

Sered, an Israelite

Definition

Sered is a proper name given to the firstborn son of Zebulun, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Genesis 46:14). As a personal name, it identifies an individual within the genealogical records of the Israelite tribes. In the census of the Israelites taken in the wilderness, Sered is noted as the founder of the Seredite clan, one of the three major family groups within the tribe of Zebulun (Numbers 26:26). The name itself carries the meaning 'trembling,' but this meaning is not explicitly developed in the biblical narrative surrounding the person.

Biblical Usage

The name Sered is used exclusively in two Old Testament passages, both genealogical lists. It appears in Genesis 46:14 as part of the list of Jacob's family who went down to Egypt, and in Numbers 26:26 within the census of the Zebulunites. Its usage is strictly as a personal identifier within tribal lineage records, with no narrative or dialogue attached to the individual.

Etymology

The name Sered (סֶרֶד) is derived from the primitive Hebrew root סָרַד (sārad, H5623), which means 'to tremble,' 'to be afraid,' or 'to be in dread.' It is related to the concept of shaking or quivering. As a personal name, it follows a common biblical pattern where names are formed from verbs or nouns describing attributes or circumstances, though the specific reason for this name's attribution is not explained in scripture.

Semantic Range

While the individual Sered is not a major theological figure, his inclusion in the genealogies is significant. It affirms God's faithfulness in preserving and numbering the tribes of Israel as part of His covenant promises to Abraham. Understanding that even names with meanings like 'trembling' are recorded in God's sacred history highlights the value of every individual within the community of faith and the meticulous detail of God's plan for His people.

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names often held semantic meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or attributes. A name meaning 'trembling' might seem unusual, but it could have commemorated an event at birth or expressed a parental sentiment. Its preservation in official tribal records underscores the importance of lineage and clan identity for inheritance, military organization, and social structure within the nation.

Zebulun (Zĕbulûn, H2074) — Sered's father and the tribe's eponymous ancestor. Elon (ʼĔlôn, H356) — Another son of Zebulun and founder of a clan (Elonite), showing the familial structure within the tribe. Jahleel (Yachlĕʼêl, H3177) — The third son of Zebulun, founder of the Jahleelite clan, completing the three chief Zebulunite families.

Word Details

Scripture References