8326. shorer
Lexical Summary
shorer: Singer, minstrel

Original Word: שֹׁרֶר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: shorer
Pronunciation: sho-RER
Phonetic Spelling: (sho'-rer)
KJV: navel
Word Origin: [from H8324 (שָׁרַר - To be firm) in the sense of twisting]

1. the umbilical cord, i.e. (by extension) a bodice

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
navel

From sharar in the sense of twisting (compare shor); the umbilical cord, i.e. (by extension) a bodice -- navel.

see HEBREW sharar

see HEBREW shor

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
the same as shor, q.v.

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Imagery

שֹׁרֶר depicts the navel or umbilical cord—the physical center of the body and the lifeline that first nourishes every human being. Scripture uses this hidden, vital point to picture intimacy, sustenance, and the fullness of life bestowed by God.

Biblical Setting

Song of Solomon 7:2 employs the term in a single, vivid comparison:

“Your navel is a rounded bowl; it never lacks blended wine. Your belly is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies.” (Song of Solomon 7:2)

In the flow of the Song, the Bridegroom praises the Bride from head to toe, and the mention of the navel falls at the midpoint of his description—underscoring centrality, fertility, and unbroken supply.

Literary Significance in the Song of Solomon

1. Abundance: A “rounded bowl” always full of “blended wine” conveys overflowing satisfaction and joy. The marriage relationship is shown as continually refreshed, never depleted.
2. Fertility and Harvest: Juxtaposed with a “mound of wheat,” the navel stands for the life-giving potential of the Bride, echoing agrarian images of plenty (Psalm 65:11).
3. Intimacy without shame: The poem celebrates marital union within God’s design. The specific yet modest metaphor protects purity while commending passion (Hebrews 13:4).

Theological Insights

• Source of Life: Just as the umbilical cord sustains a child in the womb, so God sustains His people (Deuteronomy 32:18; Colossians 2:19).
• Covenant Nourishment: Wine often symbolizes covenant blessing (Genesis 14:18; Matthew 26:27-28). The ever-filled bowl hints at the inexhaustible grace found in covenant relationship with the Lord.
• Christ and the Church: The Bridegroom’s delight foreshadows Christ’s delight in His Bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). The image of constant provision anticipates the Lord’s promise, “Whoever believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6:35).

Historical and Cultural Background

Ancient Near Eastern midwives severed the cord, cleansed the infant, and rubbed the body with salt (Ezekiel 16:4). A navel properly cared for indicated welcome, protection, and familial belonging; neglect signaled abandonment. The Song’s imagery therefore speaks of a bride cherished, honored, and fully provided for—contrasting starkly with orphan-like neglect.

Applications for Ministry

• Marriage Enrichment: Teach that God-designed intimacy is wholesome, joyful, and mutually edifying.
• Discipleship: Use the metaphor to illustrate believers’ continual dependence on Christ for spiritual nourishment (John 15:5).
• Pastoral Care: Encourage those who feel abandoned that the Lord offers the opposite—an unbreakable bond and overflowing supply (Philippians 4:19).

Related Passages and Themes

Ezekiel 16:4-14 – the cut or uncut cord as a sign of covenant care or neglect.

Proverbs 3:8 – bodily health springing from trusting the Lord.

Psalm 36:8 – believers “feast on the abundance of Your house.”

John 7:37-38 – rivers of living water flowing from within the believer.

The single appearance of שֹׁרֶר thus opens a rich window into Scripture’s portrayal of life, love, and covenant fullness, culminating in the ultimate provision found in Christ.

Forms and Transliterations
שָׁרְרֵךְ֙ שררך šā·rə·rêḵ šārərêḵ sharereCh
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Songs 7:2
HEB: שָׁרְרֵךְ֙ אַגַּ֣ן הַסַּ֔הַר
KJV: Thy navel [is like] a round goblet,
INT: navel goblet is a round

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 8326
1 Occurrence


šā·rə·rêḵ — 1 Occ.

8325
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