שַׁרְשָׁה (shar.shah)
shar.shah
chain
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sharsah refers to a chain, specifically one used in the construction of the high priest’s ephod. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Exodus 28:22, where it describes the gold chains that attached the breastpiece to the ephod.
This single occurrence places the word firmly within the context of sacred vestments. The chains served a functional purpose, securing the breastpiece containing the Urim and Thummim to the priest’s garment. The term highlights the craftsmanship required for the tabernacle service, where even small details like gold links were part of the holy attire.
Because the word is unique in Scripture, its meaning is defined entirely by this verse. It does not carry broader metaphorical weight elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. Translators consistently render it as "chain," reflecting its straightforward, literal use in describing the physical connection between two parts of the priestly garment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sharsah describes a delicate chain of braided gold used to secure the high priest’s breastpiece to his ephod. In Exodus, this detail shows that God cares about beauty and precision in worship. The chains were not merely functional; they represented a sacred connection between the priest and the people he represented before God.
For your faith, this reminds us that our relationship with God is held together by His careful design. Just as the gold links kept the breastpiece secure, God’s grace holds us firmly in His care. You can trust that He attends to the small details of your life, weaving them into a purposeful whole.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- chains of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:22
You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
This verse specifies the material (pure gold) and method (braided work), highlighting the dignity required for priestly service.