Word Study for H8285 (שֵׁרָה)

shêrâh /shay-raw'/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom שָׁרַר in its original sense of pressing

Meaninga wrist-band (as compact or clasping)

KJV usagebracelet.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of shêrâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word shêrâh, represented by H8285, means bracelet. Derived from a root meaning "pressing," it describes a wrist-band that clasps or is compact. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in the entire Bible, within a single verse.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H8285 is found in a list of fine apparel and jewelry. In the context of a prophecy in Isaiah, it is mentioned as one of several luxurious items worn by the people. The verse reads, "The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers" Isaiah 3:19, placing it among other symbols of wealth and adornment.

Related Words & Concepts

The words appearing alongside H8285 in its only context help to define its meaning as an article of adornment:

H5188 nᵉṭîyphâh (chain, collar): Defined as "a pendant for the ears (especially of pearls)". This word is found alongside H8285 in Isaiah 3:19 and also appears in a list of treasures taken from the kings of Midian Judges 8:26.
H7479 raʻălâh (muffler): This term refers to "a long veil (as fluttering)". It is listed directly with chains and bracelets in the passage Isaiah 3:19, completing the image of elaborate decoration.

Theological Significance

The significance of H8285 is tied directly to its specific, singular context.

Symbol of Adornment: As a bracelet, its purpose is purely decorative, and it is listed among other items of finery like chains and luxurious veils.
Context of Judgment: The list in which H8285 appears is part of a prophecy of judgment in Isaiah 3. These items represent the pride and vanity that the prophecy addresses.
Tangible Example: The word provides a concrete example of the material excess that is being critiqued within the passage, highlighting a focus on external appearance.

Summary

In summary, H8285 shêrâh is a highly specific term for a bracelet. Its importance is not in its frequency but in its singular, illustrative use. Appearing only in Isaiah 3:19, it serves as a clear example within a list of luxury goods, contributing to the passage's theme of judgment on worldly vanity and pride.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

שֵּׁירוֹת

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Isaiah — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.