שִׁלְשֹׁם (shil.shom)
shil.shom
three days ago
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew adverb shilshom literally means "three days ago," specifically referring to the day before yesterday. Its root relates to the number three, marking a precise point in recent history rather than a vague past. In narrative contexts, it anchors events in a concrete timeline, such as when Moses reminds Pharaoh that his refusal to let Israel go happened just three days prior (Exodus 5:8).
Beyond strict chronology, the word often functions idiomatically to mean "formerly" or "in times past." It appears paired with words for "yesterday" to emphasize continuity over a short period, as seen in David’s reference to his former status before becoming king (2 Samuel 5:2). This usage highlights how the term bridges immediate memory and recent history.
Translators typically render shilshom as "three days ago" or "heretofore," depending on whether the context demands literal time or general past reference. The precision of the word underscores the biblical attention to specific historical markers, reminding readers that divine actions unfold within measurable human experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shilshom anchors us in the rhythm of real time. It marks a precise point in recent history, often meaning 'three days ago' or simply 'formerly.' This precision reminds us that God’s actions unfold within measurable human experience, not in vague abstractions. When Scripture uses this term, it grounds divine promises in concrete moments we can understand.
In Exodus 5:14, the brickmakers are asked why they failed to meet quotas both yesterday and today, linking their immediate struggle to a recent past. This connection shows how our current challenges are part of a continuous story where God is present. We do not face trials in isolation; they are woven into a timeline that includes our memories and hopes.
Whether referring to a specific day or a general time before, this word invites us to trust the God who remembers. It assures us that our past does not define our future, but rather serves as a foundation for what He is doing now. We can rest in the knowledge that He sees every detail of our journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- three days ago17×
- [the] third day5×
- from/ three days ago1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם\׃5×
- שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם3×
- שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם\׃\ \ס2×
- שִׁלְשֹֽׁם\׃2×
- שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם2×
- שִׁלְשׁ֗וֹם2×
- שִׁלְשׁ֔וֹם2×
- שִׁלְשֹׁם֙1×
- שִׁלְשֹׁ֗ם1×
- שִׁלְשׁ֖וֹם1×
- שִׁלְשׁ֑וֹם1×
- מִ/שִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 5:14
The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and were asked, “Why haven’t you fulfilled your quota both yesterday and today, in making brick as before?”
This verse links the immediate failure to meet quotas with the recent past, showing how shilshom connects daily struggles to a continuous timeline of oppression.
-
II Samuel 5:2
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and in. Yahweh said to you, ‘You will be shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be prince over Israel.’”
Here the term shifts to mean 'in times past,' reminding David's troops of their shared history and leadership role before his current anointing.
-
I Samuel 10:11
When all who knew him before saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said to one another, “What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
The people’s surprise at Saul prophesying highlights how shilshom marks a sharp break from his former identity as a known, ordinary man.