feminine of שְׁאֵר; female kindred by blood; near kinswomen.
Transliteration:shaʼărâh
Pronunciation:shah-ar-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שַׁאֲרָה (shaʼărâh, `{{H7608}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root שְׁאֵר (sheʼēr, `{{H7607}}`), which primarily signifies "flesh" or "blood relation." While `{{H7607}}` can refer broadly to any close kin or even the physical body, שַׁאֲרָה specifically denotes "female kindred by blood" or "near kinswomen." This distinction emphasizes the consanguineous relationship, particularly within the female lineage, and is consistently used in legal contexts to define familial boundaries. Its semantic range is narrow, focused almost exclusively on prohibited sexual relationships within the immediate family, highlighting the closeness of the blood tie that forbids such unions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שַׁאֲרָה (shaʼărâh, `{{H7608}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Leviticus, specifically in chapters 18 and 20, which delineate the laws concerning sexual purity and forbidden relationships within the Israelite community. Its limited but precise usage underscores its critical role in defining the boundaries of kinship for the purpose of sexual morality.
* In [[Leviticus 18:17]], the text states, "You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, nor shall you take her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter to uncover her nakedness; they are *kinswomen* (שַׁאֲרָה); it is wickedness." Here, שַׁאֲרָה is used to designate female descendants (granddaughters) as being in a prohibited degree of kinship, emphasizing that such unions are inherently "wickedness" (זִמָּה, *zimmah*), a term often associated with moral depravity and defilement.
* Similarly, [[Leviticus 20:19]] declares, "You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister or your father's sister, for that would be uncovering one's *near kinswoman* (שַׁאֲרָה); they shall bear their iniquity." This verse extends the prohibition to aunts (both maternal and paternal), again identifying them as "kinswomen" whose nakedness must not be uncovered. The consequence for violating this law is that the offenders "shall bear their iniquity," indicating divine judgment and accountability.
In both contexts, שַׁאֲרָה functions as a legal term, clearly marking certain female relatives as being within a prohibited degree of consanguinity for sexual relations. The consistent use within these purity laws highlights the seriousness with which God viewed the sanctity of family and the prevention of incestuous relationships, which were common among the surrounding pagan nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to שַׁאֲרָה (shaʼărâh, `{{H7608}}`) is its masculine root, שְׁאֵר (sheʼēr, `{{H7607}}`), which means "flesh," "kin," or "blood relation." While שְׁאֵר can refer to the physical body or food, its usage in kinship contexts (e.g., [[Leviticus 18:6]], "no one among you shall approach *any* of his *near of kin* [שְׁאֵר] to uncover their nakedness") establishes the broader concept of consanguinity that שַׁאֲרָה specifies for female relations.
Other related concepts include:
* **בָּשָׂר (basar, `{{H1320}}`):** "Flesh," often used more broadly for human beings, or the physical body. While related to the idea of "flesh," שְׁאֵר and שַׁאֲרָה are more specifically tied to kinship by blood.
* **מוֹדַע (modaʻ, `{{H4138}}`):** A more general term for "kinsman" or "relative," implying acquaintance or familial connection, though less specific about the degree of blood relation than שַׁאֲרָה.
* **עֶרְוָה (ervah, `{{H6172}}`):** "Nakedness," "shame," a key term in the Levitical purity laws, often appearing alongside שַׁאֲרָה to denote the forbidden act of "uncovering nakedness."
* **חֻקָּה (chuqqah, `{{H2708}}`):** "Statute," "ordinance," referring to the divine laws that govern such prohibitions.
* **מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah, `{{H4940}}`):** "Family," "clan," or "kindred," representing the broader social unit whose integrity these laws protect.
The relationship between these terms underscores the biblical emphasis on the integrity of the family unit, the importance of maintaining proper social and sexual boundaries, and the distinction between Israel and the surrounding nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שַׁאֲרָה (shaʼărâh, `{{H7608}}`) is profound, deeply embedded in the broader themes of holiness, purity, and covenant faithfulness in the Old Testament.
1. **Holiness and Purity:** The consistent use of שַׁאֲרָה within the Levitical purity laws (Leviticus 18 and 20) highlights God's absolute demand for holiness among His covenant people. Sexual purity is not merely a social convention but a divine imperative that reflects God's own pure and holy character. By forbidding sexual relations with "near kinswomen," God establishes clear boundaries for a holy life, distinguishing Israel from the defiling practices of the surrounding Canaanite cultures ([[Leviticus 18:3-4]]).
2. **Sanctity of Family and Creation Order:** The prohibitions involving שַׁאֲרָה underscore the divine sanctity of the family unit. Incestuous relationships are seen as a violation of the natural order established by God in creation, blurring distinctions and corrupting the very fabric of society. These laws protect the integrity of familial relationships, ensuring that roles and boundaries within the family are respected and maintained according to God's design.
3. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The repeated warnings of "wickedness" (זִמָּה, *zimmah*) and "bearing their iniquity" associated with violating these laws reveal the severe theological implications of such sin. These acts not only defile the individual but also pollute the land itself, leading to divine judgment and expulsion from the land ([[Leviticus 18:24-28]]). Thus, adherence to these laws was crucial for Israel's continued dwelling in the Promised Land.
4. **Covenant Identity:** By setting these strict sexual boundaries, God solidified Israel's identity as a people set apart for Him. The purity laws, including those concerning שַׁאֲרָה, served as markers of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinguishing them from the moral depravity of other nations and reinforcing their calling to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.
### Summary
שַׁאֲרָה (shaʼărâh, `{{H7608}}`) is a precise Hebrew term denoting "female kindred by blood" or "near kinswomen." Its usage is exclusively found in the Levitical purity laws, specifically in [[Leviticus 18:17]] and [[Leviticus 20:19]], where it defines prohibited degrees of consanguinity for sexual relations. As the feminine form of שְׁאֵר (sheʼēr, `{{H7607}}`), it emphasizes the close blood ties that forbid incestuous unions. Theologically, שַׁאֲרָה underscores God's demand for holiness and purity within the covenant community, the sanctity of the family unit as ordained by creation, and the severe consequences of violating divine moral boundaries. Its presence in the Law served to distinguish Israel as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh, reflecting His own character and preserving the integrity of His people.
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