שֶׁלֶשׁ

Shelesh, an Israelite

Definition

Shelesh is a proper name of an Israelite man, a descendant of Asher, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:35. The name is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'three' or 'triplet,' suggesting a possible connection to birth order or a symbolic association with the number three. As a personal name, it functions solely to identify this individual within the genealogical record of the tribe of Asher. No other meanings or applications of the name appear in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:35, within a genealogical list of the sons of Helem from the tribe of Asher. It functions strictly as a proper noun identifying a person: 'The sons of Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.' Its usage is confined to this historical-ancestral context.

Etymology

The name Shelesh (שֶׁלֶשׁ) is directly derived from the root שָׁלַשׁ (shalash, H8027), meaning 'to do a third time, to triplicate.' It is related to the Hebrew word for the number three, שָׁלֹשׁ (shalosh). As a proper name, it likely originated as a descriptor, perhaps indicating a third-born child, one of triplets, or an association with the symbolic qualities of the number three.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often held descriptive or aspirational meaning. A name like Shelesh, connected to the number three, may have indicated birth order (e.g., a third son) or been symbolic. The number three held cultural significance, often representing completeness or a full cycle (e.g., morning, noon, and evening). While the specific reason for this individual's name is not stated, it fits the pattern of Hebrew names deriving from numbers or circumstances of birth.

Word Details

Scripture References