שַׁ֫יִשׁ (sha.yish)
sha.yish
alabaster
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 shaish refers specifically to alabaster, a fine-grained stone valued in the ancient world for its smooth texture and translucent quality. In biblical usage, it denotes the material itself rather than a finished object, serving as a descriptor of luxury or preciousness.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in 1 Chronicles 29:2. King David lists alabaster among the materials prepared for building the Temple, placing it alongside gold, silver, and costly stones. Its singular occurrence highlights its status as a rare and high-value resource reserved for the most sacred construction projects.
Translators consistently render shaish as "alabaster," reflecting the specific mineral identity recognized in modern geology. The term underscores the immense wealth and careful planning involved in equipping the Temple, marking alabaster not just as a building material but as a symbol of devotion through generous contribution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shaish appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, found in 1 Chronicles 29:2. King David lists alabaster among the materials prepared for building the Temple, placing it alongside gold, silver, and costly stones. Its singular occurrence highlights its status as a rare and high-value resource reserved for the most sacred construction projects.
This single mention underscores the immense wealth and careful planning involved in equipping the Temple. It marks alabaster not just as a building material but as a symbol of devotion through generous contribution. When we see such precious items set aside for God's house, it reminds us that our best offerings are meant for His glory.
In your own life, this word invites you to consider what you hold dear. Just as David gathered the finest stones for the Temple, you can offer your time, talents, and treasures to God. It is a call to intentional generosity, where every gift, no matter how small or large, becomes part of something eternal.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- alabaster1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁ֖יִשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 29:2
Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, the bronze for the things of bronze, iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, also onyx stones, stones to be set, stones for inlaid work of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
This verse lists alabaster among the precious materials David prepared for the Temple, highlighting its value as a rare resource dedicated to God's house.