שָׂרַד

שָׂרַד

properly, to puncture, i.e. (figuratively through the idea of slipping out) to escape or survive

Definition

The Hebrew verb שָׂרַד (sârad) means to escape, survive, or remain. It carries the core idea of slipping away from danger or being left over after a destructive event. In its single biblical occurrence, it describes the survivors of a battle who manage to escape into fortified cities (Joshua 10:20). The word implies a narrow escape from a situation of widespread defeat or death, resulting in a remnant that persists.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Joshua 10:20. It describes the outcome of the battle against the Amorite coalition, where after Joshua and the Israelites achieved a great victory, a portion of the enemy army managed to escape and survive by fleeing to their fortified cities. The usage is military, describing survivors from a defeated force.

Etymology

A primitive root verb. It is related to the noun שֶׂרֶד (sered, H8279), meaning 'a stitching needle,' which suggests a connection to the idea of puncturing or slipping through. The semantic development likely moved from the physical act of slipping through a narrow opening (like a needle through fabric) to the figurative concept of escaping from a tight or dangerous situation.

Semantic Range

While used only once, this word contributes to the biblical theme of the 'remnant.' It highlights God's sovereign control over battle outcomes, where even in total victory, some enemies escape according to His purposes (Joshua 10:8, 20). Understanding this term enriches the reading of Joshua by showing that the conquest was not an instantaneous, clean eradication, but a process where survivors remained, pointing to the ongoing nature of the conflict and the need for continued faithfulness. In the ancient Near Eastern context of warfare, survivors of a battle were not uncommon. They would typically flee to fortified city-states for protection. This word reflects that reality, distinguishing between those slain in the field and those who successfully retreated to defensive strongholds. It was a practical military term for accounting for enemy forces after an engagement. פָּלַט (pālaṭ, H6403) — to escape, deliver, with a stronger sense of active rescue or deliverance. נִשְׁאַר (nish'ar, H7604) — to be left over, remain, often used for a physical remnant of people or things.

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