שֵׁרָה
a wrist-band (as compact or clasping)
Definition
The Hebrew noun שֵׁרָה (shêrâh) refers to a specific type of jewelry worn on the arm, best understood as a wrist-band or bracelet. It is derived from a root meaning 'to press' or 'to clasp,' suggesting a form-fitting ornament that encircles the wrist. This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 3:19, within a list of luxurious items that will be taken away from the prideful women of Jerusalem as a sign of God's judgment. The term denotes a piece of ornamental finery, distinct from other arm ornaments like the more general 'bracelet' (צָמִיד, tsâmîyd, H2296).
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 3:19. It appears in a prophetic context where the prophet Isaiah catalogs the extravagant adornments and clothing of the women of Jerusalem, which God will remove as part of His coming judgment. The usage is singular and specific, serving as one item in a long list of vanities (Isaiah 3:18-23) that symbolize misplaced pride and reliance on wealth rather than on God.
Etymology
The noun שֵׁרָה (shêrâh) is derived from the root שָׁרַר (shârar, H8324), which carries the original sense of 'to press' or 'to be firm.' This root connection suggests the meaning developed to describe something that clasps or binds tightly, hence a wrist-band that fits snugly. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the idea of something encircling or binding.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is a mundane noun for jewelry, its single biblical occurrence in Isaiah 3:19 carries significant theological weight. It is not merely an item of fashion but a symbol of the pride, vanity, and misplaced trust in material wealth that characterized God's people. Understanding this specific Hebrew term enriches the reading of Isaiah's prophecy by highlighting the detailed nature of God's indictment against superficiality and His commitment to stripping away false securities to bring about repentance and reliance on Him alone.
In the ancient Near East, jewelry like wrist-bands were common indicators of social status, wealth, and beauty. The specific mention in Isaiah 3:19, within a list of over a dozen luxury items, reflects the high value placed on such adornments in Israelite society, particularly among the elite. The prophet's condemnation of these items shows they had become symbols of excess and pride, distracting from devotion to God. The 'shêrâh' was likely a finely crafted piece, possibly made of precious metals, distinct from simpler ornaments.
צָמִיד (tsâmîyd, H2296) — a more general term for a bracelet or armlet, often worn on the upper arm, as seen in Genesis 24:22 and Ezekiel 16:11.
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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