A "sherd," also known as a "potsherd," refers to a fragment of broken pottery. In biblical times, pottery was a common household item, used for various purposes such as storing food, water, and other goods. Due to its widespread use, broken pieces of pottery, or sherds, were a familiar sight in ancient Israel and the surrounding regions.

Biblical References:

1. Job 2:8 · In the Book of Job, sherds are mentioned in the context of suffering and affliction. After Job is struck with painful sores, he uses a potsherd to scrape himself while sitting among the ashes: "And Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes" . This imagery highlights the depth of Job's physical and emotional anguish, as he resorts to using a broken piece of pottery for relief.

2. Isaiah 30:14 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a sherd to describe the complete destruction that will come upon those who rely on human strength rather than God. He writes, "It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so that no fragment can be found among its pieces to take coals from a hearth or scoop water from a cistern" . This metaphor emphasizes the futility and fragility of human endeavors apart from divine guidance.

3. Psalm 22:15 · Although not directly mentioning a sherd, the psalmist uses similar imagery to convey a sense of brokenness and despair: "My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; You lay me in the dust of death" . Here, the psalmist likens his weakened state to a dried-up piece of pottery, underscoring his vulnerability and need for God's intervention.

Symbolism and Usage:

In the biblical narrative, sherds often symbolize brokenness, fragility, and the consequences of sin or judgment. They serve as a powerful metaphor for the human condition, illustrating how easily life can be shattered without the sustaining power of God. The use of sherds in Scripture also reflects the reality of ancient life, where pottery was an essential yet easily breakable commodity.

Cultural and Archaeological Context:

Archaeologically, sherds are significant as they provide insight into the daily life, trade, and culture of ancient civilizations. Excavations in the Near East frequently uncover pottery fragments, which help scholars date sites and understand the historical context of biblical events. The abundance of sherds in archaeological sites underscores their prevalence in ancient societies and their role in everyday activities.

In summary, the biblical references to sherds serve as poignant reminders of human frailty and the need for reliance on God. They illustrate the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring truth that true strength and restoration come from the Lord.(n.) A fragment; -- now used only in composition, as in potsherd. See Shard.SHERD

shurd.

See POTSHERD.

2789. cheres -- earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd
... 2788, 2789. cheres. 2790 . earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd.
Transliteration: cheres Phonetic Spelling: (kheh'-res) Short Definition: earthenware ...
/hebrew/2789.htm - 6k

Psalm 2
... will give earth's utmost line. ^9Thou shalt, as with a weighty rod. of iron, break
them all; And, as a potter's sherd, thou shalt. them dash in pieces small. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 2.htm

The Creation of Moving Creatures.
... Thus they call the oyster "sherd-hide." [1616] Thanks to the two shells with which
it is enveloped, and which adapt themselves perfectly the one to the other ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vii the creation of.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... 20); "Charcoal to live coals, and wood to fire; and a man of strife to kindle strife"
(Prov.26: 21); "Silver dross spread over an earthen sherd"burning lips ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Sherd (1 Occurrence)
... potsherd. See Shard. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHERD. shurd. See POTSHERD.
Multi-Version Concordance Sherd (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ...
/s/sherd.htm - 7k

Unsparingly (5 Occurrences)
... he shall break it as the breaking of a potter's vessel, that is broken in pieces
unsparingly; and in the pieces of it there shall not be found a sherd to take ...
/u/unsparingly.htm - 8k

Potters (3 Occurrences)
... it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not
spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take ...
/p/potters.htm - 7k

Bursting (22 Occurrences)
... it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not
spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take ...
/b/bursting.htm - 13k

Sherds (1 Occurrence)

/s/sherds.htm - 6k

Sherbin-tree (1 Occurrence)
Sherbin-tree. Sherah, Sherbin-tree. Sherd . Multi-Version Concordance
Sherbin-tree (1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Sherah, Sherbin-tree. Sherd . Reference
/s/sherbin-tree.htm - 6k

Scoop (2 Occurrences)
... he shall break it as the breaking of a potter's vessel, that is broken in pieces
unsparingly; and in the pieces of it there shall not be found a sherd to take ...
/s/scoop.htm - 7k

Shattered (42 Occurrences)
... shall break it as a potter's vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing;
so that there shall not be found among the pieces thereof a sherd to take ...
/s/shattered.htm - 18k

Withal (38 Occurrences)
... it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not
spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take ...
/w/withal.htm - 18k

Spare (80 Occurrences)
... it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not
spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take ...
/s/spare.htm - 32k

Sherd: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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