שְׁרֹשׁוּ

eradication, i.e. (figuratively) exile

Definition

The Aramaic noun שְׁרֹשׁוּ (shᵉrôshûw) refers to the act of being uprooted or eradicated, and by extension, the state of banishment or exile. It specifically denotes a forced removal from one's homeland, implying a complete severing from one's roots and community. In its sole biblical occurrence in Ezra 7:26, it is used in a legal decree by King Artaxerxes, threatening punishment for anyone who does not obey the law of God and the king. The punishment is described as 'whether for death, or for banishment (שְׁרֹשׁוּ), or for confiscation of goods, or for imprisonment.' Here, it represents a severe political and social penalty, distinct from but comparable to execution.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Ezra 7:26. It appears within a Persian royal edict written in Aramaic, the administrative language of the empire. The context is legal and judicial, outlining potential penalties for disobedience. The word is listed among other severe punishments (death, confiscation, imprisonment), establishing banishment as a formal, state-sanctioned consequence for violating the king's decree, which in this case upholds the Torah.

Etymology

This is an Aramaic word, derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew root שָׁרַשׁ (sharash, H8327), which means 'to take root' or 'to root out.' The noun form שְׁרֹשׁוּ essentially means 'a rooting out' or 'an uprooting.' The semantic development moves from the literal agricultural idea of tearing a plant from the ground to the figurative social concept of tearing a person from their home and nation, resulting in exile.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word carries theological weight regarding God's sovereignty over nations and the consequences of covenant disobedience. The decree in Ezra 7:26, which includes banishment, is issued by a pagan king yet serves God's purpose in restoring Jerusalem and enforcing His law. It reflects the biblical theme that exile is a ultimate curse for breaking covenant (Deuteronomy 28:36-37, 64), but also that God can use foreign powers to administer justice and facilitate restoration for His people.

In the ancient Near East, banishment was a feared punishment that meant loss of identity, protection, and inheritance. Being cut off from one's land and kinship group was a social death, often considered worse than physical death. In the Persian context of Ezra, banishment likely meant removal from the province 'Beyond the River' (Trans-Euphrates), sending the offender far from their community and into obscurity within the vast empire, effectively destroying their social and economic standing.

גָּלָה (galah, H1540) — The more common Hebrew verb for 'to go into exile' or 'to uncover.' It focuses on the act of departure or revelation. שְׁרֹשׁוּ focuses on the state and cause (being uprooted).

Word Details

Scripture References