שִׁלּוּחִים (shil.lu.ach)
shil.lu.ach
parting gift
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shilluḥîm refers to a parting gift or the act of sending someone away. It appears in only three biblical passages, linking moments of departure with tangible tokens of farewell. The word captures the social custom where a person leaving a household or region receives provisions or valuables from their host as they begin a new journey.
This concept surfaces when Abraham sends Hagar away with bread and water (Genesis 21:14), when Jethro blesses Moses before he returns to Egypt (Exodus 4:19), and notably in Micah’s critique of Israel’s leaders who exploit the vulnerable for personal gain (Micah 3:2-3). In these contexts, the gift is not merely a present but a marker of transition and relationship. The term underscores how farewells in ancient Near Eastern culture involved practical support, reflecting both hospitality and, at times, the power dynamics between those who leave and those who stay.
Its rarity in Scripture highlights the significance of each occurrence. Whether depicting a mother’s desperate departure or a prophet’s commissioning, shilluḥîm reminds readers that partings often carry weight beyond emotion—they involve material reality and lasting consequences for those involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shilluḥîm points to a parting gift given when someone departs. In ancient times, this was more than a polite gesture; it provided practical support for the journey ahead. Scripture shows us that farewells often carried significant weight, marking transitions in life and relationship.
When we read about Hagar sent away with provisions or Jethro blessing Moses before his return, we see how these gifts shaped the future of those leaving. Even in Micah’s prophecy, the concept highlights how leaders failed to care for the vulnerable during times of departure. This word reminds us that partings involve real needs and lasting consequences.
As you face seasons of change or transition in your own life, consider how God provides for your journey. Whether you are leaving a place behind or beginning something new, His provision remains steady. May you find comfort in knowing that every step forward is held by His faithful care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- parting gifts1×
- dowri<es>1×
- dismissal<s>/ her1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁלּוּחֶֽי/הָ\׃1×
- שִׁלּוּחִ֔ים1×
- שִׁלֻּחִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 18:2
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away,
This verse uses the word to describe how Jethro received Zipporah after Moses had previously sent her away, highlighting the complex family dynamics surrounding Moses' departure and return.
-
Micah 1:14
Therefore you will give a parting gift to Moresheth Gath. The houses of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the kings of Israel.
Here the prophet warns that Moresheth Gath will be given as a parting gift, using the term to illustrate the loss and displacement faced by Israel's enemies due to divine judgment.