שׁוּל (shul)
shul
hem
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun shul simply means the hem or skirt of a garment. In the Old Testament, it appears nine times, primarily in Exodus and the prophetic books like Jeremiah and Lamentations. It refers to the literal edge of a robe, often one that was long and flowing, such as the ephod worn by the high priest.
While the word describes a physical piece of clothing, Scripture uses it in striking figurative ways. In Exodus 28:35, the hem of the high priest’s robe has bells so his presence is heard when he enters the Holy Place. Later, prophets use the image to convey shame or violation; for instance, Jeremiah 13:22 and Lamentations 1:8 describe the uncovering of the skirt as a sign of ignominy and defilement.
This word highlights how everyday objects carried deep symbolic weight in ancient Israel. The hem was not just fabric but a boundary that could signify honor, sacred presence, or public disgrace depending on the context. Translators typically render it as "skirt" or "hem," preserving the concrete image of clothing that defines status and dignity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shul refers to the hem or lower edge of a garment. In ancient Israel, clothing was not merely functional but carried significant social and spiritual weight. A long robe with an ornate hem, like that of the high priest, signified honor and sacred duty. The bells attached to these hems served as audible reminders of the priest’s presence before God, linking the physical act of worship with divine attention.
Scripture also uses this image to speak of human dignity and shame. When prophets describe skirts being uncovered, they are describing a state of public disgrace and vulnerability. This contrast shows that our standing before others and before God is precious. It invites us to value purity and integrity, knowing that how we live reflects the honor given to us by the Creator.
For your faith life, this word reminds you that every aspect of your conduct matters. Just as the priest’s hem announced his approach to the Holy Place, your daily actions announce your relationship with God. You are called to walk in a way that honors Him, finding comfort in the knowledge that He sees your integrity and provides covering for your weaknesses.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] skirts of4×
- skirts/ your2×
- skirt/ its2×
- and/ [the] skirts of robe/ his1×
- [was] on/ skirts/ her1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שׁוּלַ֖יִ/ךְ2×
- שׁוּלֵ֥י2×
- שׁוּלָ֗י/ו1×
- שׁוּלָ֖י/ו1×
- שׁוּלֵ֤י1×
- שׁוּלֵ֣י1×
- וְ/שׁוּלָ֖י/ו1×
- בְּ/שׁוּלֶ֗י/הָ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:33
On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, all around its hem; with bells of gold between and around them:
This verse details the specific construction of the high priest's robe, showing how the hem was adorned to signify sacred office.
-
Isaiah 6:1
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.
Here the king’s train fills the temple, using the hem imagery to convey the overwhelming majesty and presence of God.
-
Jeremiah 13:22
If you say in your heart, “Why have these things come on me?” Your skirts are uncovered because of the greatness of your iniquity, and your heels suffer violence.
The prophet uses the uncovering of skirts as a powerful metaphor for the shame resulting from Israel’s great iniquity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shul mean?
Why are bells mentioned on the hem in Exodus?
What does it mean for skirts to be uncovered in Jeremiah?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
Exodus 5 verses
On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, all around its hem; with bells of gold…
Exodus 28:34a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe.
Exodus 39:24They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen.
Exodus 39:25They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the…
Exodus 39:26a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Yahweh commanded…