שְׁלוֹשִׁים

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

Definition

The Hebrew word שְׁלוֹשִׁים (shᵉlôwshîym) is a cardinal number meaning 'thirty' and can also function as an ordinal number meaning 'thirtieth.' It is used to denote a specific quantity, such as the thirty cubits of Noah's ark (Genesis 6:15), or to mark a position in a sequence, like the thirtieth year in a genealogy (Genesis 11:12). In some contexts, it signifies a complete or significant period, often associated with maturity, service, or judgment, such as the age for Levitical service (Numbers 4:3) or the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).

Biblical Usage

This word appears 162 times across the Old Testament, frequently in historical and legal texts. It is common in genealogies (e.g., Genesis 5:3-17), measurements for the tabernacle and temple (e.g., 1 Kings 6:2), military counts (e.g., Judges 10:4; 2 Samuel 23:13), and regulations, such as the thirty-shekel valuation in Exodus 21:32. Its usage patterns show it often marks thresholds of responsibility, value, or duration in Israelite society.

Etymology

שְׁלוֹשִׁים is the masculine plural form derived from the root שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969), meaning 'three.' It follows a common Hebrew pattern for forming tens (e.g., 'twenty' is עֶשְׂרִים, from 'ten'). The alternate spelling שְׁלֹשִׁים appears in some texts. It is related to שָׁלִישׁ (shâlîysh, H7991), which can mean 'third' or 'captain of a third,' highlighting the connection to the base number three.

Semantic Range

The number thirty often carries symbolic weight in Scripture, representing a period of preparation or qualification for ministry. For example, Joseph was thirty when he began serving Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46), David began his reign at thirty (2 Samuel 5:4), and Jesus commenced his public ministry around age thirty (Luke 3:23), echoing the Levitical age for service (Numbers 4:3). It can also signify a price of redemption or judgment, as in the thirty pieces of silver for a slave (Exodus 21:32), later referenced in Zechariah 11:12-13 and Matthew 27:3-10. Understanding this number enriches readings of maturity, service, and divine timing.

In ancient Israelite culture, thirty was a significant age, often associated with the full strength and maturity required for leadership roles, military service, or priestly duties. The thirty-shekel price for a slave in Exodus 21:32 reflects a standard valuation in legal and economic transactions. This differs from modern Western contexts where such numerical thresholds (like age 30) may hold less formal cultural or legal significance.

שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — the cardinal number 'three,' the root from which 'thirty' is derived. שָׁלִישׁ (shâlîysh, H7991) — can mean 'third (part)' or 'captain,' sharing the triadic root but with distinct usage.

Word Details

Scripture References