שֵׁן
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
Definition
The Hebrew word שֵׁן (shên) primarily means 'tooth,' referring to the hard, sharp structure in the mouth used for chewing, as seen in the 'eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth' laws (Exodus 21:24). By extension, it denotes 'ivory,' the material from elephant tusks, which were prized for luxury items like Solomon's throne (1 Kings 10:18). Figuratively, it describes a 'cliff' or 'crag'—a sharp, tooth-like rock formation, as in God's promise to bring Israel to a land of 'hills... and to the crag of the rock' (Numbers 23:9). This range of meaning connects physical sharpness to valuable materials and rugged landscapes.
Biblical Usage
שֵׁן appears 47 times across various contexts. Its literal sense as 'tooth' is common in legal texts (e.g., Exodus 21:27, Leviticus 24:20) and poetic imagery of judgment (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:24). As 'ivory,' it signifies opulence, often in descriptions of royal wealth (e.g., 1 Kings 22:39, Psalm 45:8). The figurative use for 'cliff' occurs in poetic or prophetic passages, emphasizing desolation or strength (e.g., Job 39:28). Usage is spread throughout the Torah, Historical Books, and Wisdom Literature, with patterns linking sharpness to both harm and value.
Etymology
Derived from the root שָׁנַן (shānan, H8150), meaning 'to sharpen' or 'to pierce,' שֵׁן inherently conveys the idea of sharpness. This root connection explains its meanings: a tooth is sharp for biting, ivory comes from sharp tusks, and a cliff presents a sharp edge. Cognates include שֶׁנְהַבִּים (shenhabbîm, H8143), a term for 'ivory,' highlighting the material's association with teeth or tusks. The semantic development moved from the concrete (a sharp tooth) to valuable derivatives (ivory) and metaphorical extensions (a sharp rock).
Semantic Range
שֵׁן holds theological significance in illustrating God's justice and provision. In the lex talionis principle ('tooth for a tooth,' Exodus 21:24), it underscores proportional retribution, reflecting divine fairness in human law. Figuratively, as 'ivory,' it can symbolize both God-given wealth (as in Solomon's reign) and human pride or excess condemned by prophets (e.g., Amos 3:15). As 'cliff,' it portrays God as a refuge (Job 39:28) or a place of desolation in judgment. Understanding these nuances enriches readings of passages on justice, materialism, and divine protection.
In ancient Israelite culture, teeth were vital for survival, linked to eating and health, making tooth loss a serious penalty (Exodus 21:27). Ivory, imported from Africa or Syria, was a luxury item for the elite, symbolizing status and often associated with idolatry or excess, as critiqued by prophets. The image of a 'tooth-like' cliff reflects the rugged terrain of the region, where such formations offered natural defense or danger. These cultural layers show how שֵׁן bridged everyday life, economic trade, and environmental experience, differing from modern associations where ivory is often seen as unethical and cliffs as recreational.
מַלְתָּעָה (maltāʿâ, H4975) — a jaw or cheek-tooth, emphasizing the crushing function; חֵךְ (chēk, H2441) — palate or roof of the mouth, a broader oral term; שֶׁנְהַבִּים (shenhabbîm, H8143) — specifically ivory, a direct cognate for the material.
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.
Full methodology & sources →