Lexical Summary shayish: Marble Original Word: שַׁיִשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Whiten, white, marbleFrom an unused root meaning to bleach, i.e. Whiten; white, i.e. Marble. See shesh. see HEBREW shesh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps of foreign origin Definition alabaster NASB Translation alabaster (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁ֫יִשׁ noun [masculine] alabaster (foreign word? Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic שַׁיְשָׁא  , perhaps Assyrian šaššu ); — ׳אַבְנֵישֿׁ 1 Chronicles 29:2 (material of temple); compare PatrickHast. DB MARBLE. Topical Lexicon Material Character and Qualities שַׁיִשׁ denotes fine marble—a hard, lustrous stone prized for its whiteness, polish, and enduring strength. In the Ancient Near East it was quarried in large blocks and shaped for architectural and ornamental use. Its translucence under torchlight and the coolness to the touch made it a luxury material for palaces and temples alike. Biblical Occurrence 1 Chronicles 29:2 records David’s personal storehouse for the future temple: “I have provided… and marble in abundance”. The king’s list moves from precious metals to costly stones, climaxing with marble, signalling both abundance and permanence in the planned house of the Lord. Historical Background David’s reign (tenth century B.C.) saw unprecedented economic expansion, alliances with Tyre and Sidon, and access to materials beyond Israel’s borders. Marble may have come from Lebanon or the Trans-Jordan highlands, transported by Phoenician craftsmen accustomed to monumental projects. By mentioning marble, the Chronicler underscores that the temple’s beauty and durability would surpass that of any surrounding pagan shrine. Use in the Temple and Royal Projects While 1 Chronicles 29:2 is preparatory, Solomon’s execution likely employed marble for flooring, column bases, and wall facings. Later biblical texts confirm the place of marble in royal settings (Esther 1:6) and poetic imagery (Song of Solomon 5:15), suggesting continuity in Israelite and Persian royal architecture. Archaeological parallels from Phoenician temples show marble flagstones and veneer, corroborating the biblical description of “marble in abundance.” Symbolic and Theological Significance 1. Purity: Marble’s brilliance evokes holiness. As the temple symbolized God’s dwelling, its marble elements visually preached, “Holiness befits Your house, O LORD” (Psalm 93:5). Ministry Application Believers are “living stones…being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). David’s marble anticipates the excellence Christ’s people should bring to corporate worship and service. Whether constructing a sanctuary or discipling a believer, ministry built with “marble” rather than “wood, hay, or straw” (1 Corinthians 3:12) will endure divine scrutiny. Connections to the New Testament The splendor of marble foreshadows the New Jerusalem, whose foundations are “adorned with every kind of precious stone” (Revelation 21:19). Just as David gathered marble before the temple rose, so Christ now gathers and prepares His church for a city “whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Summary שַׁיִשׁ highlights the temple’s purity, permanence, and glory. Its solitary appearance in Scripture magnifies David’s devotion and sets a pattern for Spirit-enabled excellence in worship today, pointing ultimately to the eternal sanctuary where the Lamb dwells among His people. Forms and Transliterations שַׁ֖יִשׁ שיש ša·yiš šayiš ShayishLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 29:2 HEB: יְקָרָ֛ה וְאַבְנֵי־ שַׁ֖יִשׁ לָרֹֽב׃ NAS: stones and alabaster in abundance. KJV: stones, and marble stones INT: of precious stones and alabaster abundance |
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