אֶ֫שֶׁד (e.shed)
e.shed
slope
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun eshed refers to a slope or the lower part of something, often translated as "bottom" or "foundation." It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 21:15, where it describes the steep descent into the valley of Arnon. The word captures the physical reality of a downward incline or the base upon which higher ground rests.
Its usage is highly specific to geography and topography. In the context of Numbers, it highlights the dramatic drop-off that defines the border of Moab. Translators typically render it as "slope" or "bottom," emphasizing the tangible terrain rather than an abstract concept. This single occurrence grounds the term in a concrete landscape, marking a significant boundary for the Israelites.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about the Israelites in Numbers 21, the landscape feels very real. The word for slope describes a steep drop into the valley of Arnon. It marks a clear boundary between where they were and the land of Moab. This physical detail reminds us that God guides His people through specific, tangible places in history.
In our own lives, we often face moments that feel like a sudden descent. These transitions can be disorienting or even frightening. Yet, just as the valley defined a border for Israel, difficult seasons often mark important shifts in our spiritual journey. We are not wandering aimlessly; we are moving through defined paths.
Even when the ground feels like it is falling away beneath us, we can trust that God sees the terrain. He knows the shape of every valley and every peak. This word invites us to look at our current circumstances with fresh eyes, recognizing that even steep slopes are part of a larger, purposeful map.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [the] slope of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶ֙שֶׁד֙1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:15
the slope of the valleys that incline toward the dwelling of Ar, leans on the border of Moab.”
This verse uses the word to define the physical boundary of Moab, showing how geographical features marked divine guidance for Israel.