שָׁלַב (sha.lav)
sha.lav
to fit
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb sha.lav appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the Pual stem with a passive sense: "to be bound" or "to be joined together." In Exodus 28:14 and 39:16, it describes how the chains of gold were attached to the ephod’s shoulder pieces. The word conveys a secure, interlocked connection, suggesting that the components are fastened in a way that they cannot easily come apart.
This rare term highlights the craftsmanship involved in the priestly garments. Rather than simple tying, the imagery implies a structural joining, fitting parts together to form a unified whole. The focus is on the stability and integrity of the assembly, ensuring that the sacred vestments remain intact during service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha.lav describes a secure joining, where parts are fitted together so they cannot easily come apart. It appears only twice in Scripture, both times describing how gold chains were attached to the high priest’s ephod. This imagery speaks to the careful craftsmanship required for sacred service, showing that every piece was intentionally connected to form a unified whole.
For your faith, this offers a quiet encouragement. Just as the priestly garments were held together with precision and strength, your life is being woven into God’s larger plan. You are not loosely assembled; you are securely joined to Christ and to other believers. This stability provides peace, knowing that what God has started in you is held fast by His faithful hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- joined2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 26:17
There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
This verse establishes the pattern of interlocking tenons, showing how individual boards were fitted together to create a stable structure for the tabernacle.
-
Exodus 36:22
Each board had two tenons, joined to one another. He made all the boards of the tabernacle this way.
Here the repetition emphasizes the consistency of the craftsmanship, ensuring every board was joined securely to maintain the integrity of the sanctuary.