שַׁיִשׁ
white, i.e. marble.
Definition
The Hebrew word שַׁיִשׁ (shayish) refers to a white stone, specifically marble, prized for its beauty and used in construction and decoration. In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes a high-quality material prepared for the temple of God (1 Chronicles 29:2). The term emphasizes the stone's color and likely its polished, lustrous quality, denoting a precious building material. While the word itself is rare, its meaning is clear and specific, with no major divergent senses in other passages.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 29:2. King David, in his preparations for building the temple, lists the valuable materials he has provided, including 'onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones (שַׁיִשׁ) in abundance.' Its usage is exclusively in the context of royal, sacred construction, denoting a luxurious and aesthetically significant material intended for God's house.
Etymology
שַׁיִשׁ (shayish) is derived from an unused root meaning 'to be white' or 'to bleach,' directly linking it to the concept of whiteness. It is a cognate of the more common word שֵׁשׁ (shesh, H8336), which also means 'white marble' or 'alabaster.' This etymological connection highlights the primary characteristic of the material—its bright, white color—which was a key marker of its value and purity in the ancient Near East.
Semantic Range
Although a rare and specific material term, שַׁיִשׁ carries theological weight in its context. Its use in 1 Chronicles 29:2 underscores the principle of offering God the very best and most valuable resources available. The inclusion of marble alongside gold, silver, and precious stones in David's temple preparations reflects a theology of worship that involves extravagant, wholehearted giving for God's glory. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the intentionality and sacrifice behind the physical construction of God's dwelling place among His people.
In the ancient Near East, marble was a highly valued luxury import, associated with royalty, temples, and monumental architecture due to its durability, beauty, and difficulty to quarry and transport. Its whiteness and ability to be polished to a shine made it a symbol of purity, wealth, and divine splendor. The mention of marble in David's inventory signifies the immense cost and international resources dedicated to the Jerusalem temple, setting it apart as a structure of unparalleled magnificence in Israel.
שֵׁשׁ (shesh, H8336) — A more frequently used term also meaning 'white marble' or 'alabaster,' often used in similar contexts of luxury and construction (e.g., Esther 1:6, Song of Solomon 5:15).
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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