Lexical Summary shalash: To do a third time, to divide into three parts, to do something in thirds Original Word: שָׁלַשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance do the third time, divide into, stay three days, A primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e. Treble; but apparently used only as denominative from shalowsh, to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years) -- do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, - fold, parts, years old). see HEBREW shalowsh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from shalosh Definition to do a third time, divide into three parts NASB Translation did it a third time (1), divide into three parts (1), do it a third time (1), stayed for three days (1), third time (2), three (2), three days (1), three parts (1), three year old (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [שִׁלֵּשׁ] Pi`el denominative do a third time, devide into three parts, etc.; — Perfect2masculine singular וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֫ Deuteronomy 19:3 divide land into three parts (so Imperfect וַיְשַׁלֵּשׁ אֶתהָֿעָם [for ᵑ0 וַיְשַׁלַּח] 2 Samuel 18:2 ᵐ5L Bu); 1 Samuel 20:19 stay three days (compare Dr); 1 Samuel 20:20 We Dr and others (compare ᵐ5) read ׳אֲשַׁלֵּשׁ בַּ (for ׳שְׁלשֶׁת הַ) = I will shoot on the third day with the arrows (HPS question); Imperfect3masculine plural וַיְשַׁלֵּ֑שׁוּ 1 Kings 18:34, and Imperative masculine plural שַׁלֵּ֑שׁוּ 1 Kings 18:34 do a third time. Pu`al Participle מְשֻׁלָּשׁ three years old Genesis 15:9 + 1 Samuel 1:24 (read with ᵐ5 Th We etc. בְּפַר מְשֻׁלָּשׁ for בְּפָרִם שְׁלשָׁה), feminine מְשֻׁלֶּשֶׁת Genesis 15:9 (twice in verse); הַחוּט הַמְשֻׁלָּשׁ Ecclesiastes 4:12 the threefold cord; female plural מְשֻׁלָּשׁוֺת Ezekiel 42:6 three-storied chambers. Topical Lexicon Range of Biblical Contexts The verb שָׁלַשׁ appears nine times, always introducing a three-fold element—animals of three years, threefold division, a third day, triple repetition, three-strand cord, three-tiered structure. In every setting it accents completeness, confirmation, or intensified strength. Covenant and Sacrifice (Genesis 15:9) When the Lord cut the covenant with Abram He required “a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, and a ram three years old” (Genesis 15:9). The age marks full maturity and underscores the finality of the promise. Each animal is offered at the same stage of life, portraying harmony within the covenant ceremony. The threefold demand also anticipates later triadic covenant signs—blood, fire, and smoke in Exodus; water, blood, and Spirit in 1 John. Civil Administration and Mercy (Deuteronomy 19:3) Israel must “divide into three parts the land” so that a manslayer may quickly reach refuge. The triple division ensures equal access from every region, marrying justice with compassion. In ministry the pattern reminds leaders to remove needless barriers to repentance and restoration, distributing resources with thoughtful balance. Timing for Deliverance (1 Samuel 20:19) Jonathan instructs David to hide “on the third day,” using שָׁלַשׁ to mark the decisive moment. The phrase signals hope beyond immediate danger and prefigures the many “third-day” deliverances culminating in the resurrection of Christ. Congregations can draw courage from the pledge that God appoints a definite, often triadic, limit to trial. Prophetic Confirmation (1 Kings 18:34) Elijah commands the servants, “‘Fill four jars with water and pour it on the offering.’ … ‘Do it a second time’ … ‘Do it a third time.’” The repeated verb piles water on the altar until all natural possibility of ignition is removed; only divine fire can answer. When preaching, the account underlines that multiplying obstacles only magnifies God’s vindication of His word. Strength in Fellowship (Ecclesiastes 4:12) “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Here שָׁלַשׁ frames enduring unity. Marriage, friendship, and congregational life gain resilience when God is woven in as the third strand. Discipleship groups often apply this verse to stress accountability and mutual support. Temple Architecture (Ezekiel 42:6) The temple chambers “were in three levels,” testifying to ordered beauty and expanding capacity. The triple storeys mirror other three-tiered holy spaces (Exodus 26; 1 Kings 6) and anticipate the heavenly city whose “length and width and height are equal” (Revelation 21:16). Theological Reflection on the Threefold Pattern 1. Verification: events occurring thrice establish certainty (Genesis 41:32; Acts 10). Practical Ministry Implications • Craft worship elements that echo biblical triads—threefold benedictions, triple “Holy.” Through its nine appearances שָׁלַשׁ weaves a tapestry of covenant faithfulness, protection, vindication, unity, and ordered worship, all pointing toward the One who rose on the third day and perfects every threefold promise. Forms and Transliterations הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ המשלש וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙ וַיְשַׁלֵּֽשׁוּ׃ וישלשו׃ ושלשת מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ מְשֻׁלָּשׁוֹת֙ משלש משלשות משלשת שַׁלֵּ֖שׁוּ שלשו ham·šul·lāš hamshulLash hamšullāš mə·šul·lā·šō·wṯ mə·šul·lāš mə·šul·le·šeṯ meshulLash meshullashOt meshulLeshet məšullāš məšullāšōwṯ məšullešeṯ šal·lê·šū šallêšū shalLeshu vayshalLeshu veshillashTa way·šal·lê·šū wayšallêšū wə·šil·laš·tā wəšillaštāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 15:9 HEB: לִי֙ עֶגְלָ֣ה מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת וְעֵ֥ז מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת NAS: to him, Bring Me a three year KJV: me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat INT: Bring heifer A three female year Genesis 15:9 Genesis 15:9 Deuteronomy 19:3 1 Samuel 20:19 1 Kings 18:34 1 Kings 18:34 Ecclesiastes 4:12 Ezekiel 42:6 9 Occurrences |
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