שְׁלִי (she.li)
she.li
quietness
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 sheli refers to a state of quietness or privacy. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in 2 Samuel 3:27. In this specific context, it describes the secluded place where Abner was taken.
Its meaning centers on being set apart from public view or noise. The word highlights a physical separation that ensures confidentiality and safety away from prying eyes. Translators typically render it as "secretly" or "in private," capturing the sense of a hidden, quiet location rather than an emotional state.
This rare usage underscores the importance of discretion in ancient narratives. By specifying a quiet place, the text emphasizes the deliberate concealment of the event from the public sphere.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sheli appears only once in Scripture, marking a moment of hidden danger in 2 Samuel 3:27. It describes a quiet, secluded spot where Abner was taken aside by Joab. This physical separation from public view created the setting for a tragic betrayal. The text uses this rare term to highlight how isolation can be manipulated for harm rather than protection.
For your daily life, this word serves as a gentle reminder about the importance of community and transparency. While privacy has its place, complete isolation can sometimes leave us vulnerable to deceit or misunderstanding. Surrounding yourself with trusted friends and open relationships helps guard your heart against hidden agendas. God’s light brings healing, and walking in the open often protects us from the shadows where harm takes root.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in <the>/ quietness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּ/שֶּׁ֑לִי1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 3:27
When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.
This is the only occurrence of sheli, describing the secluded gate area where Joab lured Abner away from public sight to kill him.