שְׂעִירָה (se.i.rah)
se.i.rah
Seirah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun se’irah refers to a specific location, likely situated in the southeastern part of the tribal territory of Ephraim. Its name derives from a root meaning "shaggy" or "hairy," which may describe the rough terrain or vegetation of the area, though it also shares linguistic roots with words for goats.
This place appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 3:26. The text describes how Ehud’s messengers wait at se’irah while the king Eglon dies inside his upper room. The brevity of the reference highlights its function as a geographical marker in the narrative rather than a site of major theological significance.
Because it is mentioned only in this single historical account, no further usage patterns or semantic ranges are established in Scripture. Translators typically retain the transliterated name "Seirah" to preserve the specific identity of this obscure Ephraimite location within the story of Israel’s judges.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read the story of Ehud in Judges, we encounter a small but telling detail: his messengers stopped at Seirah while he slipped away to confront King Eglon. This place name, meaning "shaggy" or "hairy," likely describes the rough terrain of the Ephraimite highlands. It serves as a quiet backdrop to a moment of divine deliverance.
For your faith life, this obscure location reminds us that God works through ordinary places and people. You do not need to be in a famous city or a grand cathedral to experience His power. Whether you are in a bustling market or a quiet, rugged path, God is present. The messengers waited at Seirah, trusting the process, while Ehud acted in courage. We too can trust God’s timing and presence in our own specific circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Seirah/ towards1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שְּׂעִירָֽתָ/ה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:26
Ehud escaped while they waited, passed beyond the stone idols, and escaped to Seirah.
This verse identifies Seirah as the waiting point for Ehud's messengers, marking the geographical boundary between the conspirators and the king.