Bible Word Study
שַׁרְשָׁה
sharshâh · a chain (as rooted, i.e. linked)
שַׁרְשָׁה
a chain (as rooted, i.e. linked)
Definition
The Hebrew noun שַׁרְשָׁה (sharshâh) refers to a chain, specifically a linked or interwoven chain. It appears only in Exodus 28:22, where it describes the chains of pure gold that are to be attached to the breastpiece of the high priest's ephod. The imagery suggests a chain that is firmly connected or rooted, likely indicating a series of interlocking links. This singular usage focuses on a specific, sacred object used in Israel's worship.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Exodus 28:22, within the detailed instructions for constructing the high priest's garments. It specifies the material (pure gold) and purpose (to connect the breastpiece to the ephod) of these chains. Its usage is entirely cultic, related to the tabernacle and priesthood.
Etymology
שַׁרְשָׁה derives from the root שָׁרַשׁ (H8327), meaning 'to take root' or 'to root out.' This root connection implies the idea of something being firmly fixed or linked together, much like roots intertwine. It is a cognate of שַׁרְשְׁרָה (H8333), another word for 'chain,' which appears more frequently (e.g., in 1 Kings 7:17).
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word holds theological significance as part of the divinely ordained priestly garments described in Exodus. These golden chains symbolically connected the breastpiece (holding the Urim and Thummim) to the ephod, representing the inseparable link between God's guidance and the high priest's mediatory role. Understanding this specific term highlights the precision and sacredness of God's instructions for approaching Him. In the ancient Near East, chains of precious metals were symbols of authority, honor, and connection. The specific use of pure gold chains in a religious context set apart these items for holy service, distinguishing them from common jewelry or secular adornment. The craftsmanship required to create such linked chains reflected the high value placed on the priestly garments. שַׁרְשְׁרָה (sharshᵉrâh, H8333) — A more general term for 'chain,' used for architectural and decorative purposes (e.g., on temple pillars).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]