πŸŒ™
β˜€οΈ
← Back to Lexicon
H8318 Β· Hebrew Β· Old Testament
שׁ֢ר֢Χ₯
sherets
Noun, masculine
swarming things, creeping creatures

Definition

Sherets (H8318) refers to the teeming masses of small creatures that fill the sea and land β€” the category of living things that swarm in multitudes. Genesis 1 uses it for the creatures filling the waters and the earth, while Leviticus 11 uses it extensively in dietary law discussions about which swarming things are clean or unclean.

Usage & Theological Significance

Genesis 1:20-21 celebrates: 'Let the waters teem with living creatures [sherets]...' God saw that it was good. The theological significance is that even these smallest, most overlooked creatures are part of God's intentional, ordered creation β€” made and declared good. Psalm 104:25 marvels at the sea 'teeming with creatures beyond number.' No part of creation is beneath God's notice.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 1:20 Let the water teem [sherets] with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth.
Genesis 1:21 God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems [sherets].
Leviticus 11:10 But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales β€” whether among all the swarming things [sherets] or among all the other living creatures in the water β€” you are to regard as unclean.
Psalm 104:25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming [sherets] with creatures beyond number.
Ezekiel 47:9 Where the river flows everything will live. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live and teem [sherets].

Related Words

External Resources

πŸŒ™
β˜€οΈ