שָׁרֵת (sha.ret)
sha.ret
ministry
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sha·ret refers to religious ministry or service, specifically within the context of the tabernacle and temple worship. It denotes the official duties performed by those set apart for sacred tasks, rather than general labor or secular work.
This term appears in only two verses, yet it carries significant weight in both instances. In Numbers 4:12, it describes the "vessels of ministry," highlighting the care required for holy objects. Similarly, 2 Chronicles 24:14 uses it to account for items used in the temple service, emphasizing order and reverence in worship practices.
Sha·ret underscores the idea that serving God involves structured responsibility and respect for sacred spaces. By focusing on these specific roles, the text illustrates how ancient Israelites viewed their relationship with the divine through dedicated acts of service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha·ret points to a specific kind of service: the careful, structured care for what is holy. In ancient Israel, this was not general labor but dedicated ministry within the tabernacle and temple. It reminds us that approaching God involves reverence and order, treating sacred things with the respect they deserve.
For your faith today, this concept invites you to view your own service as meaningful and intentional. Just as the Levites handled the vessels of ministry with care, your daily acts of worship and obedience are part of a larger, sacred pattern. God values the heart behind the work, whether it is leading in church or serving quietly at home.
This perspective helps us see that no act of service is too small when offered to Him. By focusing on our roles with diligence and love, we participate in the ongoing ministry of God’s people. It is a call to serve not just for duty, but out of a deep desire to honor the One who calls us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- service1×
- <the>/ service1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׁרֵ֔ת1×
- הַ/שָּׁרֵ֜ת1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 4:12
“They shall take all the vessels of ministry with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.
This verse highlights the physical care required for holy objects, showing that sha·ret involves reverent handling of what belongs to God.
-
II Chronicles 24:14
When they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, from which were made vessels for Yahweh’s house, even vessels with which to minister and to offer, including spoons and vessels of gold and silver. They offered burnt offerings in Yahweh’s house continually all the days of Jehoiada.
Here the term connects financial stewardship with temple worship, illustrating how resources were used specifically for ministering and offering.