Lexical Summary Shelach: Shelah Original Word: שֶׁלַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Salah, Shelah The same as shelach; Shelach, a postdiluvian patriarch -- Salah, Shelah. Compare Shiloach. see HEBREW shelach see HEBREW Shiloach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shalach Definition a desc. of Shem NASB Translation Shelah (9). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. שֶׁ֫לַח proper name, masculine son of Arphachshad, Σαλα: ׳שׁ Genesis 10:24; b Genesis 11:13,14,15; 1 Chronicles 1:18 b; שָׁ֑לַח Genesis 10:24; a Genesis 11:12; 1 Chronicles 1:18a 1 Chronicles 1:24. Topical Lexicon Overview Shelah (Strong’s Hebrew 7974, שֶׁלַח) stands in Scripture as the son of Arphaxad and father of Eber, thereby occupying a crucial link between Noah’s son Shem and the later patriarch Abraham. Across nine Old Testament occurrences (Genesis 10:24; Genesis 11:12-15; 1 Chronicles 1:18, 24), Shelah appears exclusively within genealogies that trace the covenant line through which the Messiah would one day come. Biblical References • Genesis 10:24 “Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.” Genealogical Significance 1. Bridge from the Flood to Abraham. Shelah is third in line from Noah through Shem and Arphaxad. His son Eber becomes the eponym of the Hebrews, so Shelah serves as the generational hinge between post-Flood mankind and the covenant family that will culminate in the call of Abram (Genesis 12). Historical Context Living roughly midway between the Flood and Abraham, Shelah’s lifetime overlaps the account of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). He therefore represents a generation that witnessed both the judgment of God upon proud humanity and the merciful preservation of the covenant line. His era is marked by rapid population growth, the formation of early city-states, and the spread of languages. Name Variations in Scripture • Hebrew text: שֶׁלַח (Shelah or Shelah). These variations demonstrate transliteration shifts over time yet refer to the same patriarch, underscoring the consistency of the biblical record across languages and testaments. Role in Salvation History The placement of Shelah in both Genesis and Luke emphasizes that God’s redemptive plan is woven through ordinary family lines. Each successive generation, including Shelah’s, carried forward the promise that would reach fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His life reinforces the theological theme that God works through faithful preservation as much as through dramatic interventions. Ministry Applications 1. Faithfulness across Generations. Shelah’s inclusion reminds modern believers that preserving faith within families is itself a ministry task of eternal consequence. Interconnections with Other Biblical Themes • Babel and Divine Sovereignty: Shelah’s generation lived under God’s dispersing judgment yet still saw His favor in maintaining the chosen line. Summary Shelah is a brief but indispensable patriarch. Though Scripture records no personal exploits, his position in the genealogies highlights God’s steadfast commitment to His promises, the significance of family faithfulness, and the seamless continuity of revelation from Noah to Christ. Forms and Transliterations וְשֶׁ֖לַח וְשֶׁ֥לַח ושלח שֶׁ֔לַח שֶׁ֗לַח שָֽׁלַח׃ שָׁ֑לַח שלח שלח׃ šā·laḥ šālaḥ še·laḥ šelaḥ Shalach Shelach veShelach wə·še·laḥ wəšelaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:24 HEB: יָלַ֣ד אֶת־ שָׁ֑לַח וְשֶׁ֖לַח יָלַ֥ד NAS: the father of Shelah; and Shelah KJV: begat Salah; and Salah INT: Arpachshad became of Shelah and Shelah the father Genesis 10:24 Genesis 11:12 Genesis 11:13 Genesis 11:14 Genesis 11:15 1 Chronicles 1:18 1 Chronicles 1:18 1 Chronicles 1:24 9 Occurrences |
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