שְׁלִישִׁי

third; feminine athird (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

Definition

The Hebrew word שְׁלִישִׁי is the ordinal number meaning 'third.' It is used to denote sequence, such as the third day (Genesis 1:13), the third part of something (Ezekiel 5:2), or the third time an event occurs (1 Samuel 3:8). In a specialized architectural sense, it refers to a 'third-story cell' or upper chamber, as seen in the description of Noah's ark (Genesis 6:16). This range of meaning—from simple sequence to fractional division to a specific location—shows its flexibility in biblical texts.

Biblical Usage

שְׁלִישִׁי appears 93 times across many Old Testament books, most frequently in the historical narratives of Genesis, Exodus, and Kings. It commonly marks temporal sequence (e.g., 'on the third day' in Genesis 22:4) or order (e.g., the 'third rank' in military or procession contexts in 2 Samuel 23:8). The fractional sense ('a third part') is prominent in priestly and prophetic literature, like Ezekiel's symbolic actions (Ezekiel 5:2). The architectural usage is rare, appearing specifically in Genesis 6:16 for the ark's compartments.

Etymology

Derived from the cardinal number שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôsh, H7969), meaning 'three,' by adding the ordinal suffix -ִי (-iy). This follows the standard Hebrew pattern for forming ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.). Its meaning is directly tied to the root concept of 'three,' extending to any entity that is third in a series or constitutes one of three parts.

Semantic Range

The concept of 'the third' carries theological weight in patterns of divine action and fulfillment. The 'third day' is a recurring motif of resurrection, new creation, and divine manifestation, most notably in Israel's consecration at Sinai (Exodus 19:11, 16) and prophetically in Hosea 6:2. The fractional use in Ezekiel and Zechariah (e.g., Zechariah 13:8-9) often signifies a remnant preserved through judgment. Understanding this term enriches the reading of God's timing and his purposeful division or selection within biblical narratives.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the third day or time often held significance as a turning point or moment of decisive action, a pattern reflected in biblical narratives. The architectural term for a 'third-story cell' reflects construction practices, with upper chambers used for storage, residence, or as secluded rooms, as seen in the design of Noah's ark and later in multi-storied Israelite houses.

שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôsh, H7969) — the cardinal number 'three,' whereas שְׁלִישִׁי is the ordinal 'third.' תְּלִיתַי (tᵉlîythay, H8531) — an Aramaic term for 'third,' used in the books of Ezra and Daniel. שְׁלִישׁ (shᵉlîysh, H7991) — a related noun meaning 'captain of the third' or 'triple,' often denoting a military officer of the third rank.

Word Details

Scripture References