שָׂרַךְ
to interlace
Definition
The Hebrew verb שָׂרַךְ (sârak) means 'to interlace,' 'to weave together,' or 'to entwine.' It describes the action of twisting or intertwining strands or elements into a complex, unified structure. In its sole biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 2:23, it is used metaphorically to depict the intricate, deeply embedded nature of sin and idolatrous practices, portraying them as something woven into the very fabric of a person's life. The imagery suggests a persistent and habitual pattern that is difficult to disentangle or undo.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 2:23. It appears in a prophetic rebuke, where God challenges Judah, saying, 'How can you say, "I am not defiled; I have not gone after the Baals"? See your way in the valley; know what you have done—a restive young camel interlacing (שָׂרַךְ) her ways.' Here, the word is used in a metaphorical and poetic context to illustrate the winding, entangled, and habitual paths of idolatry and rebellion that the people have deliberately pursued.
Etymology
The word שָׂרַךְ is a primitive root, meaning its origin is not derived from another known Hebrew root. It is related to the concept of twisting or interlacing. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'sarāku,' also carry meanings related to twisting or tying, supporting the core sense of physical intertwining that extends to metaphorical entanglement.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it provides a powerful metaphor for the nature of sin. In Jeremiah 2:23, it portrays sin not as a simple, isolated act but as a complex, habitual pattern woven into one's character and lifestyle. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of this prophetic text by highlighting the depth of spiritual corruption and the difficulty of repentance, emphasizing the need for divine intervention to untangle a life from entrenched rebellion.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the imagery of a 'restive young camel interlacing her ways' would have been readily understood. Camels were known for their unpredictable, winding paths when wandering. The metaphor paints a vivid picture of willful, chaotic, and self-directed movement, contrasting with the straight path of obedience to God. It communicates the idea of deliberate, habitual deviation.
עָבַת (‘āvat, H5686) — to weave or braid, often used for physical plaiting of hair. שָׂרַךְ focuses more on the interlacing of paths or actions. פָּתַל (pātal, H6617) — to twist or be crooked, often morally; שָׂרַךְ implies a more complex, woven entanglement rather than simple twisting.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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