שִׁילֹנִי (shi.lo.ni)

shi.lo.ni

Shilonite

H7888 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

N:N--LG

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 6 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--LG

Word Overview

The word shiloni is a gentilic adjective meaning "of Shiloh" or "Shilonite." It identifies a person as an inhabitant of Shiloh, the ancient Israelite sanctuary where the tabernacle stood before Jerusalem became the central place of worship. The term appears exclusively in historical narratives to distinguish individuals by their geographic origin.

Lexical sources note that Shiloh itself means "place of rest," reflecting its role as the resting place of the ark of the covenant during the period of the judges. Consequently, a shiloni is not just someone from a random town, but from a site of significant religious and tribal importance to the tribe of Ephraim.

This descriptor occurs six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Kings and Chronicles. It serves to identify key figures such as Ahijah the prophet (1 Kings 11:29) and Shallum the son of Jabesh (1 Chronicles 8:34). By using this specific label, the biblical text anchors these individuals in a tradition associated with early prophetic authority and tribal heritage.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The term Shilonite identifies a person from Shiloh, a town in Ephraim that held deep spiritual significance as the resting place of the tabernacle during the time of the judges. This label appears primarily to identify Ahijah the prophet, who played a crucial role in Israel’s history by delivering God’s message to Jeroboam. By connecting Ahijah to this specific location, the text highlights his authority and grounding in the early traditions of worship.

For believers today, this word reminds us that God uses people rooted in His historical acts to speak truth into new situations. Shiloh represents a place where God’s presence dwelt among His people before Jerusalem became the center of worship. Recognizing these connections helps us see how faithfully God has guided His church through changing times and leadership transitions.

When we read about Ahijah, we encounter a prophet who stood firm in delivering difficult messages despite potential consequences. This encourages us to trust that God continues to work through ordinary people in specific places to accomplish His purposes. The continuity of His word across generations offers stability and hope.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

<the>/ Shilonite3×
the/ Shilonite2×
the/ Shilonite[s]1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

הַ/שִּׁילֹנִֽי\׃1×
הַ/שִּׁילֹנִ֨י1×
הַ/שִּׁילֹנִ֔י1×
הַ/שִּֽׁלוֹנִ֔י1×
הַ/שִּֽׁילוֹנִ֗י1×
הַ/שִּׁ֣ילוֹנִ֔י1×

Key Verses

I Kings 11:29
At that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the way. Now Ahijah had clad himself with a new garment; and the two of them were alone in the field.

This verse introduces Ahijah the Shilonite meeting Jeroboam, establishing the geographic and prophetic context for the upcoming division of the kingdom.
I Kings 12:15
So the king didn’t listen to the people; for it was a thing brought about from Yahweh, that he might establish his word, which Yahweh spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

Here the text explicitly links the political outcome of the northern tribes' rebellion to the prior prophecy delivered by Ahijah, showing divine sovereignty.
II Chronicles 9:29
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, aren’t they written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat?

This reference places Ahijah alongside other major prophets like Nathan and Iddo in recording Solomon’s reign, affirming his status as a key historical witness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Shilonite mean in the Bible?

Shilonite is a gentilic adjective meaning 'from Shiloh.' It identifies individuals, most notably the prophet Ahijah, as inhabitants of Shiloh, a town in Ephraim where the tabernacle stood during the period of the judges. This label connects them to a site of early Israelite worship.

Who is Ahijah the Shilonite?

Ahijah was a prophet who lived in Shiloh and delivered key messages to King Solomon and Jeroboam. He is best known for prophesying that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel, a event recorded in 1 Kings 11-12. His title 'Shilonite' emphasizes his origin and authority.

Why is Shiloh important in biblical history?

Shiloh was the central place of worship for Israel during the time of Joshua and the judges, housing the tabernacle. It remained significant even after the ark moved to Jerusalem, as seen when prophets like Ahijah were identified by their connection to it.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)

I Kings 3 verses

I Kings 11:29

At that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the way. Now Ahijah…

I Kings 12:15

So the king didn’t listen to the people; for it was a thing brought about from Yahweh, that he might establish his…

I Kings 15:29

As soon as he was king, he struck all the house of Jeroboam. He didn’t leave to Jeroboam any who breathed, until he had…

I Chronicles 1 verse

II Chronicles 2 verses