שָׁלִישׁ
a triple, i.e. (as a musical instrument) a triangle (or perhaps rather threestringed lute); also (as an indefinite
Definition
The Hebrew word שָׁלִישׁ (shâlîysh) has three primary meanings in the Old Testament. First, it refers to a high-ranking military officer, a 'captain of the third rank' or a top-tier commander, as seen in the description of Pharaoh's elite chariot force in Exodus 14:7 and 15:4. Second, it denotes a musical instrument, likely a three-stringed lute or harp, used in celebratory processions like the one for David in 1 Samuel 18:6. Third, it can indicate a large, three-fold measure for grain, as used by the skeptical royal officer in 2 Kings 7:2, 17, 19.
Biblical Usage
This word is used in various contexts across historical and prophetic books. Its military usage is prominent in Exodus, 2 Samuel 23:8 (David's mighty men), and 1 Kings 9:22 (Solomon's officers). The musical sense appears uniquely in 1 Samuel 18:6. The sense of a large measure is specific to the narrative about the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings 7. The word's flexibility shows it essentially means 'a triple' or 'a third part' applied to different domains.
Etymology
The noun שָׁלִישׁ derives from the root שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôsh, H7969), meaning 'three.' It is built on the idea of 'a third' or 'a triple.' This connection explains its range of meanings: a military third-in-command, a three-stringed instrument, and a three-fold measure. The variant spellings (שָׁלוֹשׁ, שָׁלֹשׁ) in some manuscripts (e.g., 1 Chronicles 11:11; 2 Samuel 23:13) further confirm its numerical origin.
Semantic Range
The word שָׁלִישׁ enriches our understanding of God's sovereignty in both judgment and provision. In Exodus, Pharaoh's elite שָׁלִישִׁים represent the pinnacle of human military power, which God decisively drowns in the Red Sea, demonstrating His supremacy over the greatest earthly forces (Exodus 14-15). Conversely, in 2 Kings 7, the officer's doubt in God's promise of abundant provision is measured by the שָׁלִישׁ, highlighting the consequences of unbelief versus God's miraculous faithfulness to provide. The word thus connects to themes of divine authority, human authority under God, and faithful trust in His word.
In its military sense, a שָׁלִישׁ was not merely a low-ranking officer but a high commander, often associated with chariotry, the elite technology of ancient warfare. This reflects a stratified command structure. The musical instrument was likely a handheld lyre or lute used in public, joyous celebrations, indicating its role in community life. The 'great measure' was a specific, large volume for dry goods, crucial in an agrarian economy, making the officer's skepticism in 2 Kings 7 about its price a comment on extreme economic reversal.
שַׂר (sar, H8269) — A general term for a ruler, official, or captain; שָׁלִישׁ specifies a high, third-ranked military captain. חֵיל (chayil, H2428) — Often means army, wealth, or strength; when referring to 'mighty men,' it overlaps with the elite status of שָׁלִישׁ commanders but is broader. כִּנּוֹר (kinnôwr, H3658) — A specific stringed instrument, likely a lyre; שָׁלִישׁ as an instrument may have been a similar type but defined by its three strings.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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