The meaning of “שָׁלַשׁ”
Understanding shâlash reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). - to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by...
שָׁלַשׁ
do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). - to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years) 1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts 1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts 1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 15:9 | “And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Word: שָׁלַשׁ (shâlash) | |
| Deuteronomy 19:3 | “Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.” Word: שָׁלַשׁ (shâlash) | |
| 1 Samuel 20:19 | “And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.” Word: שָׁלַשׁ (shâlash) | |
| 1 Kings 18:34 | “And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.” Word: שָׁלַשׁ (shâlash) | |
| Ecclesiastes 4:12 | “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Word: שָׁלַשׁ (shâlash) |