Lexical Summary sarag: To intertwine, to weave Original Word: שָׂרַג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wrap together, wreath A primitive root; to intwine -- wrap together, wreath. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be intertwined NASB Translation knit together (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׂרַג] verb Pu`al be intertwined (Talmud סָרַג Pi`el enmesh, weave around; Aramaic  intertwine, involve, סְרַג entwine; Arabic  set in order, join, weave, mix); — Imperfect3masculine plural יְשׂרָ֑גוּ Job 40:17 are intertwined (of sinews of hippopotamus). Hithpa`el Imperfect3masculine plural יִשְׂתָּֽרְגוּ Lamentations 1:14 they intertwine themselves (figurative of מְּשְׁעַי). Topical Lexicon Overviewשָׂרַג appears twice in the Old Testament, each time portraying the action of tightly interlacing strands so that they become one inseparable unit. This vivid picture functions in Scripture both as concrete description of strength and as metaphor for the binding power of sin and judgment. Concrete Imagery of Strength (Job 40:17) In the Lord’s speech to Job, the behemoth is depicted as a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship: “He stiffens his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are knit together” (Job 40:17). The verb underscores how the creature’s muscles are so entwined that they behave as a single, unbreakable cord. By selecting this term, the text magnifies the Creator’s ability to secure and fortify what He designs, leaving Job—and every reader—without grounds for pride before such omnipotence. Symbolic Bondage of Sin (Lamentations 1:14) In sharp contrast, Jeremiah laments Jerusalem’s downfall: “My transgressions have been bound into a yoke; by His hand they are fastened together” (Lamentations 1:14). Here the same verb portrays guilt intertwined into a burdensome harness. The imagery testifies that sins do not merely accumulate; they interlace until they imprison the sinner. The yoke rests on the neck, draining strength and leading into captivity. God’s justice, therefore, is depicted as allowing iniquity to bind itself securely to the unrepentant heart. Theology of Interweaving: Divine Power and Human Responsibility 1. Divine craftsmanship: In Job, the verb exalts God’s sovereign artistry. He fashions living tissue with the durability of a cedar beam, reminding humanity that created strength originates in Him alone (Psalm 33:6-9). 2. Inevitable consequences: In Lamentations, the same action word reveals how moral choices intertwine and solidify into judgment. This illustrates Proverbs 5:22, “The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin ensnare him.” 3. Redemptive reversal: The gospel answers both realities. Jesus Christ was “wounded for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5), allowing the intertwined record of sin to be nailed to His cross (Colossians 2:14). Whereas שָׂרַג depicts sin irresistibly fastening itself to the guilty, the atonement displays God’s power to sever those cords (Zechariah 9:11). Historical and Literary Significance Ancient weaving symbolized permanence; once threads were beaten into cloth, separation without destroying the fabric was impossible. Job draws on the era’s familiarity with rope-making and textile production to accent majesty, while Lamentations employs the same cultural image to intensify sorrow. The shared verb across these disparate genres—wisdom poetry and prophetic lament—highlights the canonical unity: one Spirit employs one vocabulary to teach complementary truths of power and penalty. Ministerial Applications 1. Preaching the sovereignty of God: Job 40:17 emboldens proclamation of the Lord’s unmatched strength, encouraging believers to trust His creative and providential care. 2. Convicting of sin: Lamentations 1:14 offers a striking illustration for evangelism and counseling—sin is not a loose collection of mistakes but a woven yoke none can break without divine intervention. 3. Discipleship and sanctification: The image invites reflection on habits. Just as cords strengthen when intertwined, spiritual disciplines knit believers to Christ (John 15:4-5), whereas tolerated sins weave cords that hinder spiritual vitality (Hebrews 12:1). 4. Worship and awe: Meditating on שָׂרַג calls the church to marvel that the same God who intertwines sinews can also unravel transgression through the cross, evoking gratitude and reverent fear. Conclusion Though occurring only twice, שָׂרַג powerfully conveys both the constructive might of God and the destructive entanglement of sin. Its dual usage urges readers to heed the Creator, flee the binding yoke of iniquity, and rest in the liberating work of Christ, who alone can undo what sin has so tightly woven. Forms and Transliterations יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ׃ יִשְׂתָּ֥רְג֛וּ ישרגו׃ ישתרגו yə·śō·rā·ḡū yesoRagu yəśōrāḡū yiś·tā·rə·ḡū yisTareGu yiśtārəḡūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 40:17 HEB: (פַחֲדָ֣יו ק) יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ׃ NAS: of his thighs are knit together. KJV: of his stones are wrapped together. INT: the sinews stone are knit Lamentations 1:14 2 Occurrences |
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