Lexical Summary serad: Remnant, survivor Original Word: שֶׂרֶד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance service From sarad; stitching (as pierced with a needle) -- service. see HEBREW sarad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom 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). 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). 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 śərāḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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 Exodus 39:1 Exodus 39:41 4 Occurrences |