from שָׂרַף; burning, i.e. (figuratively) poisonous (serpent); specifically, a saraph or symbolical creature (from their copper color); fiery (serpent), seraph.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sârâph**, represented by `{{H8314}}`, is derived from a root meaning "burning." It appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition encompasses both a "burning" or poisonous serpent and, specifically, a **seraph** or symbolical creature, possibly named for its copper color. This creates a distinct scriptural application for the word, referring to either celestial beings or dangerous earthly creatures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its celestial sense, `{{H8314}}` refers to the **seraphims** who stand in God's presence. Isaiah describes them as having **six** `{{H8337}}` **wings** `{{H3671}}`, using two to **fly** `{{H5774}}` [[Isaiah 6:2]]. One of these heavenly beings acts as a divine agent, taking a **live coal** `{{H7531}}` from the **altar** `{{H4196}}` to purify the prophet's lips [[Isaiah 6:6]]. In sharp contrast, `{{H8314}}` also refers to **fiery** `{{H8314}}` **serpents** `{{H5175}}`. As a form of judgment, the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **sent** `{{H7971}}` these creatures to **bit** `{{H5391}}` the Israelites in the wilderness, causing **much** `{{H7227}}` death [[Numbers 21:6]]. The term is also used in a prophecy where a **fiery** `{{H8314}}` **flying** `{{H5774}}` **serpent** `{{H8314}}` emerges from a **serpent's** `{{H5175}}` **root** `{{H8328}}` [[Isaiah 14:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **sârâph** appears:
* `{{H5175}}` **nâchâsh** (serpent): This is the general term for a snake and is often used alongside `sârâph` to specify the creature type. It appears in the description of the **great** `{{H1419}}` and **terrible** `{{H3372}}` **wilderness** `{{H4057}}` that contained **fiery** `{{H8314}}` **serpents** `{{H5175}}` [[Deuteronomy 8:15]].
* `{{H5774}}` **ʻûwph** (to fly): This action is attributed to both the seraphim in God's throne room [[Isaiah 6:2]] and the threatening **fiery** `{{H8314}}` **flying** `{{H5774}}` **serpent** `{{H8314}}` in prophecy, connecting the two manifestations of `sârâph` ([[Isaiah 14:29]], [[Isaiah 30:6]]).
* `{{H5251}}` **nêç** (pole): This object is central to the account in Numbers. **Moses** `{{H4872}}` was commanded to **make** `{{H6213}}` a **fiery serpent** `{{H8314}}` and **set** `{{H7760}}` it upon a **pole** `{{H5251}}` so that those who were bitten could look at it and **live** `{{H2425}}` [[Numbers 21:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8314}}` is demonstrated in its dual application:
* **Heavenly Attendants:** As seraphim, these beings stand **above** `{{H4605}}` the throne of God and serve Him directly. Their presence near the heavenly **altar** `{{H4196}}` and their role in the prophet's purification underscore their holy function in the divine court ([[Isaiah 6:2]], [[Isaiah 6:6]]).
* **Instruments of Divine Judgment:** As fiery serpents, they are agents of God's judgment against the disobedient Israelites in the **wilderness** `{{H4057}}`. The LORD `{{H3068}}` **sent** `{{H7971}}` them to **bite** `{{H5391}}` the **people** `{{H5971}}`, leading to **much** `{{H7227}}` death as a consequence of sin [[Numbers 21:6]].
* **A Symbol of Salvation:** Paradoxically, the very instrument of judgment becomes a symbol of life. By looking at the fiery serpent on the **pole** `{{H5251}}`, those who were **bitten** `{{H5391}}` were saved and allowed to **live** `{{H2425}}`, transforming a symbol of death into a token of God's provision for life [[Numbers 21:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8314}}` **sârâph** is a multifaceted term representing both heavenly attendants and deadly serpents. Its core meaning of "burning" connects these seemingly disparate beings—one burning with holiness near God's throne, the other with poisonous venom. Whether as a **seraph** `{{H8314}}` serving at the **altar** `{{H4196}}` or a **fiery serpent** `{{H8314}}` on a **pole** `{{H5251}}`, the word consistently points to powerful agents in contexts of divine judgment, purification, and salvation, bridging the celestial and terrestrial realms.
TRV