שִׁלְיָה (shil.yah)
shil.yah
afterbirth
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shilyah refers specifically to the afterbirth or placenta that follows a child during delivery. It appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, located in Deuteronomy 28:57.
In this verse, the word is part of a severe curse describing the hardships of siege and famine. The text lists the afterbirth alongside the newborn as things so precious that they will be consumed secretly by the mother or father during the distress. This stark usage highlights the extreme desperation of the situation, where even the biological remnants of birth are not spared.
Because the term is unique in Scripture, it does not carry a broad theological range like other words for life or birth. Instead, its singular occurrence serves as a vivid, concrete detail that underscores the gravity of the covenant curses. Translators typically render it simply as "afterbirth" or "placenta," preserving the literal and unvarnished nature of the ancient text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shilyah appears only once in Scripture, nestled within the harrowing curses of Deuteronomy 28:57. It refers to the afterbirth, a detail that might seem graphic at first glance. However, its purpose is not to shock but to illustrate the absolute depth of despair under siege. In such extreme famine, even the remnants of birth are consumed for survival.
This stark imagery reminds us of the seriousness of covenant faithfulness. It shows how far humanity can fall when separated from God’s protection. Yet, it also highlights the preciousness of life and family in normal times. We can be grateful for the peace and provision that allow us to cherish our children without such horror.
When we read this difficult passage, let it drive us to rely on God’s mercy rather than our own strength. It is a sobering reminder that true security comes from Him alone. May we find comfort in His promise to provide and protect those who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ on/ afterbirth/ her1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּֽ/בְ/שִׁלְיָתָ֞/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:57
toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she bears; for she will eat them secretly for lack of all things in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy will distress you in your gates.
This verse uses the word to depict the ultimate desperation of siege warfare, where even the afterbirth is consumed alongside children.