שָׁלַשׁ (sha.lash)
sha.lash
to do three
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha.lash describes an action performed three times or a division into three parts. In its most common form, the Piel stem, it signifies repeating an act for a third time rather than simply counting to three. This specific repetition often carries weight in biblical narratives, emphasizing completeness or finality through a triad of actions.
While rare, appearing in only five verses across Genesis, 1 Samuel, and 1 Kings, its usage is distinct. For instance, in 1 Samuel 6:4, the Philistines are instructed to make five golden tumors and five golden mice, one for each lord, but the text does not use sha.lash here; however, the concept of threefold division appears in other contexts like dividing armies or time periods. The Pual stem, though less frequent, can indicate being three years old or existing in a threefold state.
Translators typically render this word as "do the third time" or "divide into three." Its rarity makes each occurrence notable, often marking a decisive moment where a third attempt or division seals a narrative outcome. The word’s precision highlights the biblical preference for specific numerical actions over vague quantities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha.lash points to actions done three times or divisions into three parts. In biblical narratives, this specific repetition often carries weight, emphasizing completeness or finality through a triad of actions. For instance, in 1 Kings 18:34, the servants fill the trench with water a third time, marking a decisive moment where the third attempt seals the narrative outcome.
This precision highlights a preference for specific numerical actions over vague quantities. Whether dividing land into three parts as in Deuteronomy 19:3 or describing a threefold cord in Ecclesiastes 4:12, the concept underscores stability and thoroughness. Such details invite us to see God’s work as intentional and complete.
Reflecting on these patterns can deepen your appreciation for the care woven into Scripture. Each instance of threeness reminds us that God’s plans are purposeful and enduring, offering a sense of order and assurance in our own lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- three years old3×
- do a third time1×
- and/ you will do three times1×
- and/ you will divide into three1×
- and/ they did a third time1×
- <the>/ threefold1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙2×
- שַׁלֵּ֖שׁוּ1×
- מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ1×
- מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת1×
- מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת1×
- וַ/יְשַׁלֵּֽשׁוּ\׃1×
- הַֽ/מְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 18:34
He said, “Do it a second time;” and they did it the second time. He said, “Do it a third time;” and they did it the third time.
The verb describes filling the trench a third time, marking the decisive moment when Elijah's prayer is answered.
-
Deuteronomy 19:3
You shall prepare the way, and divide the borders of your land which Yahweh your God causes you to inherit into three parts, that every man slayer may flee there.
It instructs dividing the land into three parts to ensure cities of refuge are accessible for those fleeing manslaughter.
-
Ecclesiastes 4:12
If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The phrase 'threefold cord' uses the concept of threeness to illustrate unbreakable strength and mutual support.