שֶׁ֫לַח (she.lach)
she.lach
Shelah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shelah, derived from a Hebrew root meaning "sprout" or "shoot," appears in seven verses, primarily within the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles. It identifies a specific individual in the line of Shem, bridging the gap between his father Arphaxad (listed as Cainan in Luke’s genealogy) and his son Eber.
As a proper noun rather than a verb or abstract concept, Shelah carries no independent theological weight outside of its role in preserving the ancestral record. Its significance lies in its function as a link in the chain of descent that leads to Abraham and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. The variation in spelling between "Shelah" in Hebrew texts and "Sala" in the Greek Septuagint reflects standard transliteration practices rather than a difference in identity.
Translators consistently render this name as Shelah or Sala to maintain historical continuity with established biblical manuscripts. The word itself does not appear in narrative contexts describing actions or teachings; it stands solely as a marker of lineage, emphasizing the careful preservation of family records in ancient Israelite tradition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read through the long lists of names in Genesis and Chronicles, it is easy to feel disconnected from the story. These genealogies can seem like dry records, but they are actually a testament to God’s careful preservation of history. Shelah appears as a bridge between his father Arphaxad and his son Eber, keeping the line of Shem intact. This continuity matters because it shows that God keeps His promises across generations, even when no dramatic events are recorded.
The significance of this name lies in its role within the chain that leads to Abraham and ultimately to Jesus Christ. By maintaining these family records, Scripture highlights that every individual has a place in God’s larger narrative. You are part of this same story, connected to a heritage that stretches back through time. This continuity offers comfort, reminding us that our lives are held within a purposeful plan that spans centuries.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shelah6×
- and/ Shelah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָֽׁלַח\׃2×
- שָׁ֑לַח2×
- וְ/שֶׁ֖לַח2×
- שֶׁ֗לַח1×
- שֶׁ֔לַח1×
- וְ/שֶׁ֥לַח1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:24
Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber.
This verse establishes Shelah as the direct son of Arphaxad and father of Eber, anchoring his position in the post-flood lineage.
-
Genesis 11:14
Shelah lived thirty years, and became the father of Eber.
Here the text specifies Shelah’s age when he became a father, providing concrete data for the timeline of early patriarchs.
-
I Chronicles 1:24
Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah,
This entry in Chronicles repeats the lineage, showing how later scribes preserved the ancestral record for their community.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber.
Genesis 11:12Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the father of Shelah.
Genesis 11:13Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Shelah, and became the father of more sons and…
Genesis 11:14Shelah lived thirty years, and became the father of Eber.
Genesis 11:15Shelah lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Eber, and became the father of more sons and…