שֶׁ֫לַח (she.lach)
she.lach
missile
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun she.lach refers primarily to a projectile or missile, such as an arrow or dart. It appears in six biblical verses, often describing weapons in contexts of conflict or divine judgment. In Job and Chronicles, the word underscores the physical reality of warfare, where projectiles are launched with lethal intent.
Less commonly, the term denotes a sprout or shoot, highlighting a natural extension from a plant. This dual meaning connects the idea of something projected outward, whether as a weapon in battle or new growth emerging from the earth. The word’s usage in Song of Solomon may reflect this botanical sense, contrasting with its martial applications elsewhere.
Its presence in diverse texts reveals how language captures both destruction and creation. Translators must carefully choose between "missile" and "sprout," depending on context. This flexibility reminds readers that ancient words often carry layered meanings, inviting deeper reflection on their intended message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word she.lach carries a striking duality in Scripture. In most contexts, it describes a missile or projectile, evoking the danger of battle and the fragility of human life under threat. Yet in Song of Solomon, it shifts to describe a tender plant shoot, signaling new growth and beauty. This contrast reminds us that God’s word addresses both the harsh realities of conflict and the gentle promises of renewal.
When we face trials or feel vulnerable, this term invites reflection on divine protection. Passages like Job 33:18 highlight how God preserves life from destruction, offering comfort in moments of fear. Conversely, the botanical sense in Song of Solomon points to hope and flourishing, even in difficult seasons. Together, these uses show that Scripture acknowledges our struggles while also nurturing our spirits with images of growth and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- weapon[s]1×
- weapon/ his1×
- the/ weapon[s]1×
- shoots/ your1×
- by/ a missile1×
- by <the>/ missile1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶׁ֛לַח1×
- שִׁלְח֣/וֹ1×
- שְׁלָחַ֙יִ/ךְ֙1×
- הַ/שֶּׁ֛לַח1×
- בַּ/שָּֽׁלַח\׃1×
- בְּ/שֶׁ֣לַח1×
Key Verses
-
Job 33:18
He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
This verse uses the word to describe deliverance from death by the sword, emphasizing God's protective power over human life.
-
Song of Solomon 4:13
Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates, with precious fruits, henna with spikenard plants,
Here the term refers to a plant shoot, illustrating beauty and vitality in the context of romantic love and creation.
-
Joel 2:8
One doesn’t jostle another. They each march in their own path. They burst through the defenses and don’t break ranks.
The word appears in a metaphorical description of an army's movement, highlighting their disciplined and unstoppable advance.