8278. serad
Lexical Summary
serad: Remnant, survivor

Original Word: שֶׂרֶד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: srad
Pronunciation: seh-RAHD
Phonetic Spelling: (ser-awd')
KJV: service
NASB: woven, finely woven
Word Origin: [from H8277 (שָׂרַד - remained)]

1. stitching (as pierced with a needle)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
service

From sarad; stitching (as pierced with a needle) -- service.

see HEBREW sarad

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
perhaps plaited or braided work
NASB Translation
finely woven (1), woven (3).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
שְׂרָד noun [masculine] perhaps Aramaic plaited or braided work (compare then Aramaic סְרָרָא lattice-work, net-work (= Biblical Hebrew מִכְבָּר), textile stuff, curtain (= Biblical Hebrew קְלָעִים), סַרְדוּתָא plaited or braided work; Late Hebrew סָרָד plaiter, סָרִיד, סָרוּד women-work; HomZMG xliv (1890), 548 compare Bad. šardu, skin); — always absolute: ׳בִּגְדֵי (הַ)שׂ Exodus 31:10; Exodus 35:18; Exodus 39:1; Exodus 39:49 (all P; all + הַקֹּדֶשׁ ׳ב, and last three + לְשָׁרֵת בַּקֹּדֶשׁ); ᵐ5 Exodus 31:10 τ. στολὰς τ. λειτουργικάς (compare Exodus 39:1 [B Exodus 39:13, ᵐ5L Exodus 39:11]).

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Occurrences

שֶׂרֶד appears only in Exodus 31:10; 35:19; 39:1; 39:41. In every instance it designates “the woven garments” prepared for Aaron and his sons. “They also made the holy garments for Aaron… and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary” (Exodus 39:1, 41).

Function within Tabernacle Worship

These woven vestments belonged to the second tier of priestly clothing. While the ephod, breastpiece, and turban were unique to the high priest, the שֶׂרֶד garments were shared by Aaron and his sons for daily service “in the holy place.” They provided a practical uniform for continual ministry—distinct from the ornate garments used on high-holy days—yet still set apart for sacred duty.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

Bezalel and the Spirit-filled artisans (Exodus 31:1-11) fashioned שֶׂרֶד from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen. The meticulous weaving reflected covenant excellence: the best skill offered to God. The repetition of the term stresses that ordinary labor—spinning thread, setting the loom, working patterns—becomes holy when devoted to the LORD.

Symbolism of Weaving

1. Unity: Multiple colored threads brought into a single fabric portray the congregation of Israel joined in one priesthood (compare Ephesians 2:14-16).
2. Durability: A tightly woven cloth resists tearing, picturing steadfastness in service (1 Corinthians 15:58).
3. Order: The garment’s measured patterns echo the ordered worship God prescribes—holiness is never haphazard.

Historical Background

Egyptian weaving technology was advanced, and Israel’s craftsmen likely adapted skills learned in bondage to serve their Redeemer. Every thread in the sanctuary testified that what had once supported idolatrous temples now glorified the true God (Exodus 12:35-36; Haggai 2:8).

Theology of Priesthood

By clothing every priest, שֶׂרֶד underscored shared responsibility in intercession. Aaron’s sons did not minister in their own garments but in God-given attire, teaching that righteousness and authority for service are received, not self-made (Isaiah 61:10).

Christological Foreshadowing

The woven garment anticipates the seamless robe of Jesus (John 19:23-24). Just as the שֶׂרֶד was undivided, so Christ’s priesthood is indivisible and eternal (Hebrews 7:24). The soldiers’ refusal to tear His robe parallels the unbroken unity God designs for His people (John 17:21).

Practical Ministry Lessons

• Faithful service requires preparation; garments were made before ministry began (Exodus 31:10).
• Ordinary tasks (weaving, sewing) can become instruments of worship.
• Holiness must clothe daily life, not merely high moments.
• Unity in Christ is “woven,” not glued—organic, strong, and beautiful.

Key References for Further Study

Leviticus 8:30; Psalm 132:9; Isaiah 52:1; Hebrews 10:19-22.

Forms and Transliterations
הַשְּׂרָ֑ד הַשְּׂרָ֖ד השרד שְׂרָ֖ד שרד haś·śə·rāḏ hasseRad haśśərāḏ śə·rāḏ seRad śərāḏ
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Exodus 31:10
HEB: וְאֵ֖ת בִּגְדֵ֣י הַשְּׂרָ֑ד וְאֶת־ בִּגְדֵ֤י
NAS: the woven garments
KJV: And the cloths of service, and the holy
INT: garments the woven garments and the holy

Exodus 35:19
HEB: אֶת־ בִּגְדֵ֥י הַשְּׂרָ֖ד לְשָׁרֵ֣ת בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
NAS: the woven garments for ministering
KJV: The cloths of service, to do service
INT: garments the woven ministering the holy

Exodus 39:1
HEB: עָשׂ֥וּ בִגְדֵי־ שְׂרָ֖ד לְשָׁרֵ֣ת בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
NAS: [material], they made finely woven garments
KJV: cloths of service, to do service
INT: made garments finely ministering the holy

Exodus 39:41
HEB: אֶת־ בִּגְדֵ֥י הַשְּׂרָ֖ד לְשָׁרֵ֣ת בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
NAS: the woven garments for ministering
KJV: The cloths of service to do service
INT: garments the woven ministering the holy

4 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 8278
4 Occurrences


haś·śə·rāḏ — 3 Occ.
śə·rāḏ — 1 Occ.

8277
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