שָׂרַף

𐤔𐤓𐤐

sâraph

H8313 verb

SILEX Entry

Root שׂרף to burn, to consume by fire, to destroy by fire

Definition

To burn, consume by fire, or destroy with fire; used both literally for the act of burning objects (such as offerings, structures, or refuse) and metaphorically for total destruction or judgment. In causative forms, it indicates causing something or someone to be set on fire or destroyed by fire.

Semantic Range

to burn, to be set on fire, to kindle, to consume or destroy by fire, to purify by fire, be burned up, to burn offerings, to burn in punishment, be utterly consumed

Root / Etymology

From the root שׂרף, meaning 'to burn, consume by fire.' The verbal form denotes the process or act of burning, while derived nouns (e.g., שְׂרָפִים seraphim) relate metaphorically or symbolically to burning or fiery beings.

Historical & Contextual Notes

שָׂרַף appears frequently to describe the ritual burning of offerings, the destruction of towns, gates, or individuals, especially in judicial or punitive contexts (e.g., Levitical law regarding punishment by fire, or the burning of idols). It is distinct from other Hebrew words for burning (such as בער), as שָׂרַף more commonly connotes complete destruction by fire rather than simply lighting or kindling. The root also gives rise to seraphim (שְׂרָפִים), celestial beings described as 'fiery ones,' though the connection is metaphorical. Over time, the word retained its literal sense but also gained associations with the concept of utter destruction or purging. English translations often use 'burn,' 'consume,' or 'destroy by fire,' but these may miss the depth of the term's totalizing and often judicial connotations, particularly in priestly and prophetic texts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to be (causatively, set) on fire; (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שׂרף (ś-r-p) — to burn, to consume by fire, to destroy by fire

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4956 מִשְׂרְפוֹת מַיִם Burning-Places of the Waters
H8314 שָׂרָף and he burned
H8315 שָׂרָף and he burned

Word Forms

46 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H8313-05 שָׂרַ֔ף saraf HVqp3ms he burned he burned 14
H8313-35 וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֣ף vayiserof HC/Vqw3ms and burned and he burned 11
H8313-10 שָׂרְפ֖וּ sarefu HVqp3cp they burned they burned 7
H8313-33 וַ/יִּשְׂרְפ֤וּ vayiserefu HC/Vqw3mp and burned and they burned 6
H8313-38 וְ/שָׂרַ֥ף vesaraf HC/Vqp3ms and burn and he burned 5
H8313-42 יִשָּׂרֵֽף yisaref HVNi3ms it shall be burned he will be burned 5
H8313-28 וּ/שְׂרָפ֑וּ/הָ userafuha HC/Vqq3cp/Sp3fs and burn it and they burned her 4
H8313-44 יִשְׂרְפ֤וּ yiserefu HVqi3mp shall be burned they will burn 4
H8313-20 תִּשָּׂרֵֽף tisaref HVNi3fs be-burned she will be burned 4
H8313-23 תִּשְׂרֹ֣ף tiserof HVqi2ms burn you will burn 3

Occurrences in Scripture

117 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H8313-37 Genesis 11:3 וְ/נִשְׂרְפָ֖ה veniserefah HC/Vqh1cp and burn let us burn up
H8313-41 Genesis 38:24 וְ/תִשָּׂרֵֽף vetisaref HC/VNi3fs and let her be burned and she will be burned up
H8313-24 Exodus 12:10 תִּשְׂרֹֽפוּ tiserofu HVqi2mp you shall burn you will burn
H8313-23 Exodus 29:14 תִּשְׂרֹ֣ף tiserof HVqi2ms you shall burn you will burn
H8313-39 Exodus 29:34 וְ/שָׂרַפְתָּ֤ vesarafeta HC/Vqq2ms then you shall burn and you burned
H8313-35 Exodus 32:20 וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֣ף vayiserof HC/Vqw3ms and burned and he burned
H8313-38 Leviticus 4:12 וְ/שָׂרַ֥ף vesaraf HC/Vqp3ms and burn and he burned
H8313-42 Leviticus 4:12 יִשָּׂרֵֽף yisaref HVNi3ms it shall be burned he will be burned
H8313-38 Leviticus 4:21 וְ/שָׂרַ֣ף vesaraf HC/Vqq3ms and burn and he burned
H8313-05 Leviticus 4:21 שָׂרַ֔ף saraf HVqp3ms he burned he burned