from an unused root meaning to regulate; a row, i.e. rank (of soldiers), story (of rooms); board, range.
Transliteration:sᵉdêrâh
Pronunciation:sed-ay-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7713 (שְׂדֵרָה, sᵉdêrâh) derives from an unused root signifying "to regulate" or "to arrange." This etymological foundation points to its core meaning of an ordered arrangement or a structured sequence. Its semantic range encompasses "a row," "a rank" (as of soldiers, though not attested in biblical usage), "a story" or "tier" (of rooms or windows), and "a board" or "plank" when referring to construction materials. The unifying concept across these definitions is that of an item or element placed in a deliberate, linear, or hierarchical order, suggesting precision and design rather than randomness or disarray.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H7713 is a rare word in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only twice, both within the architectural descriptions of Solomon's building projects:
* **[[1 Kings 6:9]]**: "So he built the house, and finished it; and he covered the house with beams and boards." Here, the plural form שְׂדֵרֹת (sᵉdêrôt) refers to the "boards" or "planks" used in the construction of the Temple, specifically in its ceiling or roofing. The context implies an orderly arrangement of these wooden elements, forming a structured covering. This usage highlights the material aspect of the word, emphasizing its role as a component within a larger, designed structure.
* **[[1 Kings 7:4]]**: "And there were three rows of windows, and light was over against light in three ranks." In this verse, describing Solomon's own house, שְׂדֵרֹת (sᵉdêrôt) again appears in the plural, denoting "rows" or "tiers" of windows. The parallelism with `{{H2905}}` (ṭûr), which also means "row" or "rank," reinforces the sense of a regular, repetitive, and ordered arrangement. This architectural detail speaks to the symmetry and careful planning involved in the construction, where elements are systematically aligned.
In both occurrences, H7713 is embedded in contexts of meticulous architectural design and construction, underscoring the deliberate and structured nature of the buildings.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H7713 stems from an unused root, its meaning of "order" and "arrangement" connects it to broader conceptual fields in Hebrew thought:
* **`{{H2905}}` (ṭûr)**: As seen in [[1 Kings 7:4]], this word is a direct parallel, also meaning "row" or "rank," particularly of stones, jewels, or architectural elements. The shared usage with H7713 reinforces the semantic domain of ordered arrangement.
* **`{{H6186}}` (ʿēreḵ)**: This noun denotes an "arrangement," "order," or "value," often in the context of setting things in order, such as a battle array or an offering.
* **`{{H4639}}` (maʿăraḵâ)**: Derived from the same root as `{{H6186}}`, this word specifically refers to an "arrangement" or "battle array," emphasizing a structured formation.
* **`{{H3474}}` (yāšar)**: The verb "to be straight, right, or upright" encompasses the idea of moral and physical order, aligning with the concept of proper arrangement.
The conceptual link across these words points to a pervasive biblical emphasis on structure, order, and intentionality, whether in physical construction, military formation, or ethical conduct.
### Theological Significance
Although H7713 itself does not carry overt theological weight due to its specific and limited usage, its presence in the descriptions of the Temple and Solomon's house implicitly contributes to a broader theological understanding. The meticulous detail, order, and precision conveyed by words like sᵉdêrâh in the construction of sacred spaces reflect the character of God as a God of order, not of chaos.
The divine instructions for the Tabernacle and the subsequent construction of the Temple consistently emphasize precise measurements, specific materials, and ordered arrangements. This attention to detail, even in seemingly mundane architectural terms like "boards" or "rows of windows," points to:
* **Divine Design**: God's creation is characterized by inherent order and design (e.g., [[Genesis 1]]). Similarly, the structures built for His worship were to reflect this divine attribute of purposeful arrangement.
* **Holiness and Purpose**: The ordered nature of the Temple signified its sacredness and its distinct purpose. Every part, arranged in its proper place, contributed to the overall function and glory of God's dwelling.
* **Worship and Reverence**: The careful construction, including the precise arrangement of elements, underscored the reverence due to God and the seriousness of approaching His presence.
Thus, H7713, while a small piece of the biblical lexicon, subtly reinforces the theological truth that God is a God of order, intentionality, and beauty, a reality reflected in both creation and the structures dedicated to His worship.
### Summary
H7713 (שְׂדֵרָה, sᵉdêrâh) is a rare Hebrew noun meaning "a row," "rank," "tier," or "board," derived from a root signifying "to regulate" or "arrange." Its two biblical occurrences, both in the books of Kings ([[1 Kings 6:9]], [[1 Kings 7:4]]), describe architectural elements within the Temple and Solomon's house. In these contexts, sᵉdêrâh refers to "boards" arranged in a ceiling and "rows" or "tiers" of windows, highlighting the meticulous, ordered, and designed nature of these significant structures. While not bearing direct theological doctrine, its usage contributes to the broader biblical theme of divine order, intentionality, and the precise design evident in God's creation and the sacred spaces dedicated to His worship. The word serves as a subtle reminder of the structured beauty and purpose inherent in divine works and human endeavors undertaken in accordance with divine principles.
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