שָׂרַג
𐤔𐤓𐤂
sârag
H8276 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To interweave, to braid together, to entwine strands or elements into a cord, rope, or decorative band; by extension, to make an object by such intertwining or braiding. The verb denotes the action of forming something through the intertwining of multiple parts, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and intentional patterning, not mere twisting or binding.
Semantic Range
to entwine, to braid together, to weave into a cord or band, to twist strands, to form a wreath or band by intertwining
Root / Etymology
The root שׂרג (sarag) conveys the basic sense of intertwining or braiding. The verb is directly derived from this root with the core notion of 'interweaving' or 'braiding.' Cognates or parallels in other Semitic languages are uncertain or not attested, and the etymology beyond the root is not well established.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שָׂרַג appears only sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, notably in contexts describing woven or braided items, often related to tabernacle or priestly garments (e.g., decorative bands, cords, or sashes). The action specifically refers to skilled work concerned with the structure of fabric or rope, with an emphasis on complexity or artistry. In later Hebrew, related nouns refer to ornamental work with intertwined threads or cords. English translations frequently use 'entwine,' 'braid,' or 'wreath,' but these may not always convey the sense of structured, patterned weaving inherent in the term. Other Hebrew verbs such as עָרַג (to weave) or קָלַע (to twist, to interlace) overlap in semantic field but usually refer to different techniques or outcomes. No theological or symbolic meaning is implicit in the root itself, though in the biblical context the use often relates to sacred or special objects. There is no shift in meaning attested between periods, but the term is notably rare and specialized.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to intwine; wrap together, wreath.
Bantu Hebrew
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שׂרג (ś-r-g (sarag)) — to braid, to entwine, to interweave
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8276-02 |
יִשְׂתָּֽרְג֛וּ | yisetaregu | HVti3mp |
they are intertwined | they will entwine themselves | 1 |
H8276-01 |
יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ | yesoragu | HVPi3mp |
are tightly knit | they will be braided together | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8276-01 |
Job 40:17 | יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ | yesoragu | HVPi3mp |
are tightly knit | they will be braided together |
H8276-02 |
Lamentations 1:14 | יִשְׂתָּֽרְג֛וּ | yisetaregu | HVti3mp |
they are intertwined | they will entwine themselves |