Word Study for H8311 (שָׂרַע)

sâraʻ /saw-rah'/ Ask about this word

Roota primitive root

Meaningto prolong, i.e. (reflex) be deformed by excess of members

KJV usagestretch out self, (have any) superfluous thing.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of sâraʻ — 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 sâraʻ, represented by H8311, is a primitive root used to describe something prolonged or stretched out. It appears 3 times in 3 unique verses, carrying the dual meaning of physically stretching oneself or, reflexively, being deformed by an excess of members, described as having a superfluous thing.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The use of H8311 is split between literal and metaphorical contexts. In Leviticus, it defines a specific type of physical disqualification. A priest with "any thing superfluous" is considered to have a blemish and is forbidden to approach the altar Leviticus 21:18. Similarly, a bullock or lamb with a superfluous part is deemed imperfect, and while it could be offered as a freewill offering, it was not acceptable for a vow Leviticus 22:23. In Isaiah, the word is used metaphorically to describe a bed that is too short for a man to stretch himself on, illustrating a situation of profound inadequacy and discomfort Isaiah 28:20.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of H8311 within its biblical context:

H3971 mʼûwm (blemish): This term establishes the general category of imperfection under which a "superfluous" part falls. In Leviticus, any man with a blemish, including a superfluous limb, was not permitted to approach the altar Leviticus 21:18.
H7038 qâlaṭ (lacking in his parts): This word is used as a direct contrast to H8311. Sacrificial law addresses animals that have either something superfluous or are lacking in his parts, highlighting the ideal of physical completeness Leviticus 22:23.
H7114 qâtsar (shorter): In Isaiah's prophecy, this word is paired with H8311 to create a powerful image of insufficiency. The bed is shorter than a man can stretch himself on, emphasizing a state of restlessness and failed provision Isaiah 28:20.
H7126 qârab (approach): This word denotes the consequence of having a superfluous limb. A priest with such a blemish "shall not approach" to offer the bread of his God, connecting physical wholeness with access to the holy Leviticus 21:18.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H8311 is centered on the concepts of perfection, holiness, and sufficiency.

Ceremonial Wholeness: The word is used in Levitical law to define a specific type of physical imperfection. Having a "superfluous" part rendered both priests and certain offerings unfit, underscoring the principle that what is presented to God must be whole and without blemish (Leviticus 21:18, Leviticus 22:23).
Standards for Vows: The distinction that an animal with a superfluous part could be a freewill offering H5071 but not used for a vow H5088 suggests a higher standard for vowed sacrifices. This implies that vows required the offeror's absolute best, free from any defect Leviticus 22:23.
Metaphor for Inadequacy: Isaiah uses the inability to "stretch" out to symbolize the failure of human plans and comforts. The short bed represents false security and insufficient solutions that provide no true rest, pointing to the need for reliance on God's perfect provision Isaiah 28:20.

Summary

In summary, H8311 is a specific term that, while rare, carries significant meaning. It moves from a literal description of a physical deformity—a "superfluous" part—to a powerful metaphor for inadequacy. In the Law, it helps define the standards of physical perfection required for priestly service and sacred vows, linking wholeness to holiness. In prophecy, it vividly portrays the insufficiency of any rest or security found outside of God.

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 verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — 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.

שָׂרוּעַ
הִשְׂתָּרֵעַ

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

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

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Leviticus (2 verses); never once in the other 37.

Leviticus

Isaiah

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.