שִׁלְשָׁה (shil.shah)
shil.shah
Shilshah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name shilshah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in the genealogy of the tribe of Asher at 1 Chronicles 7:37. He is identified as the son of Zophah and a brother to Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Ithran, and Beera. This single mention places him within the extensive family lists that trace the descendants of Israel’s patriarchs during the period leading up to the divided monarchy.
Linguistically, the name is interpreted to mean "strong." While this etymology offers a glimpse into how personal names often reflected desired traits or divine attributes in ancient Israel, shilshah himself does not play an active role in any narrative. He is listed among many other names that serve primarily to establish tribal lineage and continuity rather than to recount individual deeds.
The significance of this entry lies in its context within the broader genealogical records. These lists functioned as vital historical documents for the Israelite community, preserving their identity and connection to their ancestors. By including shilshah in this chain of descent, the text underscores the importance of family heritage and the preservation of tribal boundaries in post-exilic Jewish society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shilshah appears in a long list of family names in 1 Chronicles 7:37. This passage records the descendants of Asher, one of Jacob’s sons. While the text does not tell us what Shilshah did, his inclusion shows that every person in this lineage mattered to the community.
These genealogies were more than just records. They kept the identity of Israel alive during difficult times. For you, this reminds you that your place in God’s family is secure. You are part of a larger story that connects past and present.
Even when we feel small or unknown, we are held in God’s memory. His care extends to every name written down. This offers comfort that no one is forgotten by the Creator who knows us all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shilshah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שִׁלְשָׁ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 7:37
Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.
This verse lists Shilshah among his brothers, showing his place within the tribe of Asher without adding narrative detail.