Lexical Summary sered: Sered Original Word: שֶׂרֶד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance line From sarad; a (carpenter's) scribing-awl (for pricking or scratching measurements) -- line. see HEBREW sarad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as serad Definition a stylus NASB Translation chalk (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֶׂ֫רֶד noun [masculine] from context, a marking-tool for wood, stylus (so Thes and others; connection with above √ dubious; LewyFremdw. 57 f. compare σάρδιον as gem used in gem-cutting); — יְתָֽאֲרֵהוּ בַּשֶּׂרֶד Isaiah 44:13. שָׂרָה noun feminine and proper name see below שׂרר. Topical Lexicon Definition and Material Culture שֶׂרֶד (sered) denotes the marker’s cord or stylus used by ancient craftsmen to trace an outline on wood before shaping it. The term evokes the carpenter’s red‐chalk line that snaps a straight guide or the pointed stylus that scores the surface. Either way, it represents the first, deliberate act in turning raw timber into an image. Biblical Occurrence Isaiah 44:13 is the word’s sole appearance: “The woodworker measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. Then he shapes it into the form of a man, like a man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine” (Berean Standard Bible). Context in Isaiah 44 Isaiah 44:9-20 exposes the absurdity of idolatry. The prophet pictures the entire manufacturing process—from planting a cedar to burning the scrap for fuel—only to worship the remaining block. שֶׂרֶד stands at the beginning of that process. Before a single chip falls, the idolater commits himself by laying down the line. Thus the word highlights the intentionality of sin: idolatry is not accidental but carefully measured, planned, and executed in defiance of the living God (Isaiah 44:8). Symbolic Significance 1. Deliberate Design: The snapped line or etched groove declares forethought. Sin, like righteousness, follows a chosen pattern (Proverbs 4:26-27). Historical Background Archaeology confirms the use of colored chalk lines and bronze or iron scribes in eighth- to seventh-century B.C. Judah—the very period of Isaiah’s ministry. Temple construction (1 Kings 6:7) and everyday carpentry alike required such tools, making Isaiah’s imagery vivid to his audience. Theological Implications • Sovereignty: Only the Creator possesses ultimate right to set lines and boundaries (Psalm 16:6). Ministry Applications • Preaching against Idolatry: Modern idols—career, technology, self—are still crafted by deliberate choices. Expose the initial “line” where compromise begins. Christological Perspective The Messiah appears as “the cornerstone” (Isaiah 28:16), laid by God without human tool (Daniel 2:34-35). Where the idol maker determines shape with שֶׂרֶד, the Father sets Christ as the true measure of all things (Ephesians 4:13). Sermon or Study Outline 1. The Carpenter’s Line—Intentional Idolatry (Isaiah 44:13). Related Hebrew Imagery • קַו (qav) – measuring cord (Isaiah 28:10). Summary שֶׂרֶד reminds readers that every idol—and every sin—begins with an intentional mark on the heart’s wood. In contrast, the Lord alone draws the true lines of life, righteousness, and redemption, culminating in Jesus Christ, the flawless pattern for humanity. Forms and Transliterations בַשֶּׂ֔רֶד בשרד ḇaś·śe·reḏ ḇaśśereḏ vasSeredLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 44:13 HEB: קָו֒ יְתָאֲרֵ֣הוּ בַשֶּׂ֔רֶד יַעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙ בַּמַּקְצֻע֔וֹת NAS: he outlines it with red chalk. He works KJV: he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth INT: A measuring outlines chalk works planes 1 Occurrence |
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