Lexical Summary
sharsherah: Chain
Original Word:שַׁרְשְׁרָה
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:sharahrah
Pronunciation:shar-sheh-rah
Phonetic Spelling:(shar-sher-aw')
KJV: chain
NASB:chains
Word Origin:[fromH8327 (שָׁרַשׁ - taken root)]
1. a chain
2. (arch.) probably a garland
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
chain
Fromsharash (comparesharshah); a chain; (arch.) Probably a garland -- chain.
see HEBREWsharash
see HEBREWsharshah
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
shorDefinitionchain
NASB Translationchains (7), chainwork* (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] (in spite of following suffix masculine
Exodus 28:14, Ges
§ 135o Albr
ZAW xv (1895), 316, xvi (1896), 96) (Assyrian
šaršarratu,
chain, fetter; Mishna , Talmud , Syriac
,
chain or
rope of palm-leaves, etc., but also Late Hebrew
chain, , Syriac
[whence Arabic
, see Ethiopic
], (connection with denied by Nö
B88W 56 Anm. 9)); — plural , absolute
1 Kings 7:17 +, - absolute 2 Chronicles 3:15, construct
Exodus 28:14 +,
Exodus 28:22 (either abbreviated or textual error); —
chains of gold, like wreaths, attached to ephod
Exodus 28:14 (twice in verse);
Exodus 28:22;
Exodus 39:15; ornaments on pillars at porch of temple
1 Kings 7:17 (), "" 2 Chronicles 3:15,16 (twice in verse).
(apparently √ of following; DiJob 40:16 Buhl and others think = , √ , compare , etc., Ethiopic
nerve, muscle, whence as root-fibre, but word very ancient, and this der,quite unproven; SchwZMG iii (1898), 140 f. compare Arabic
(
by dissimilation),thorn-bush,
hard, rough, rugged (of ground),
ill-natured, cross; hence , fromtough, gnarled root-fibres; Late Hebrew and Phoenician , Assyrianšuršu, allroot, Sabean (see Arabic above)root, foundation HomChr 124,foundation DHMAMG xxix (1875), 606; xxxvii (1883), 415; Aramaic ,
root).
Topical Lexicon
Scope and SettingThe term denotes ornamental chainwork fashioned from precious metal and appears exclusively in passages describing the high-priestly garments of the wilderness tabernacle and the architectural adornments of Solomon’s Temple.
Tabernacle Usage: Securing the Breastpiece
Exodus 28:14 andExodus 39:15 situate the chains on the ephod of Aaron. “Fashion two braided chains of pure gold, like cords, and attach the corded chains to the settings” (Exodus 28:14). These braided links served a practical purpose—anchoring the memorial stones that bore the names of Israel’s tribes over the high priest’s heart—yet their beauty signified the honor of approaching the Holy One on behalf of the people. The intertwining strands portray unity: each tribe distinct, yet inseparably linked in covenant representation. The chains also highlight the necessary mediation between holy God and sinful humanity, a theme fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14 – 16).
Temple Usage: Ornamenting Strength with Beauty
In Solomon’s Temple the same craftsmanship embellishes both interior and exterior features:
• The twin bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, carried “a network of interwoven chains” crowning each capital (1 Kings 7:17).
• Gold-overlaid paneling inside the main hall was engraved with “palm trees and chainwork” (2 Chronicles 3:5).
• Additional wreath-like chains encircled the capitals, supporting rows of pomegranates (2 Chronicles 3:16).
Here the chainwork accentuates stability (pillars) and fruitfulness (pomegranates), marrying strength to grace. The imagery anticipates the Church as “pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15) while bearing abiding fruit (John 15:8).
Craftsmanship and Covenant Excellence
Whether woven in fabric or cast in bronze, the chains required skilled artisans “filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship” (cf.Exodus 31:3). Their handiwork demonstrates that excellence in artistic vocation honors the Lord and supports corporate worship. The material—pure gold—expresses the covenant’s inestimable worth and the sanctity of the priestly and royal ministries it served.
Theological and Devotional Insights
1. Connection and Continuity: Each link depends on the others, illustrating corporate solidarity among God’s people and the unbroken continuity of redemptive history.
2. Security in Representation: The breastpiece chains ensured that the tribes’ names never slipped from the high priest’s chest; likewise, believers are secure in Christ’s intercession (Romans 8:34).
3. Adornment of Truth: The decorative chainwork atop the pillars reminds worshipers that doctrinal strength should be clothed with beauty and grace (Colossians 4:6).
4. Fruit Supported by Structure: The pomegranates hung from chain-wreaths underscore that visible fruitfulness rests on unseen strength—sound doctrine and steadfast faith.
Practical Ministry Application
– Encourage artisans and craftsmen in the local church to pursue skillful excellence, seeing their work as integral to worship.
– Guard unity: as the golden chains linked the breastpiece to the ephod, so congregational bonds must remain intact through love and sound teaching (Ephesians 4:3 – 16).
– Marry strength and beauty in ministry: uphold truth firmly while presenting it attractively, reflecting the balance observed in Solomon’s pillars.
Summary
This chainwork, though mentioned only seven times, ties together themes of mediation, unity, strength, beauty, and fruitfulness. From the wilderness tabernacle to the splendor of the Temple, the Spirit-inspired craftsmanship points ultimately to the flawless ministry of Christ and calls His people to embody the same woven harmony of devotion and excellence.
Forms and Transliterations
בַּֽשַּׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת׃ בשרשרות׃ וְשַׁרְשְׁרֽוֹת׃ ושרשרות׃ שַׁרְשְׁר֔וֹת שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥ת שַׁרְשְׁרֹת֙ שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת֙ שרשרות שרשרת baš·šar·šə·rō·wṯ BashsharsheRot baššaršərōwṯ šar·šə·rō·wṯ šar·šə·rōṯ šaršərōṯ šaršərōwṯ sharsheRot vesharsheRot wə·šar·šə·rō·wṯ wəšaršərōwṯ
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