שֵׁשׁ

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. sixth

Definition

The Hebrew word שֵׁשׁ (shêsh) is the cardinal number 'six'. It functions as both a numeral and, in its ordinal form שִׁשִּׁי (shishshi), as the adjective 'sixth'. As a number, it often appears in dates, ages, and measurements, such as Noah being 600 years old at the flood's onset (Genesis 7:6) or the dimensions of the temple furnishings. It can also signify a complete but limited period, as in the six days of creation (Genesis 1:31). The ordinal 'sixth' marks sequence, like the sixth day when humanity was created (Genesis 1:27, 31).

Biblical Usage

שֵׁשׁ is used over 200 times across nearly all Old Testament genres. It frequently appears in historical narratives for ages (Genesis 16:16), years of service (Genesis 31:41), and family counts (Genesis 46:26). In legal and priestly texts, it specifies measurements (e.g., dimensions of the tabernacle in Exodus) and ritual timelines (e.g., the sixth day for preparation in Exodus 16:5). Prophetic books like Ezekiel use it in architectural visions. A notable pattern is its pairing with other numbers to form compounds like 'sixteen' or its use in the significant, recurring time period of 'six days'.

Etymology

שֵׁשׁ is a primitive numeral, meaning it is a base word not derived from a verbal root. Its masculine form is שֵׁשׁ, and its feminine is שִׁשָּׁה (shishshah). It is cognate with other Semitic languages like Arabic (sitta) and Aramaic. Some lexicographers suggest a possible, though debated, connection to the root שׂוּשׂ (H7797), meaning 'to exult' or 'rejoice,' perhaps implying six as a number of fullness or abundance beyond the five fingers of one hand.

Semantic Range

The number six carries theological weight as the number of creation and human labor, culminating in the seventh day of divine rest. It represents a complete yet imperfect period, as humanity was created on the sixth day. In the apocalyptic symbolism of Revelation (influenced by Hebrew thought), 666 signifies ultimate imperfection and opposition to divine completeness. Understanding 'six' in its Hebrew context highlights the structure of God's creative work and the biblical rhythm of work and rest.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, six was a practical numeral based on a decimal system, but it also held symbolic meaning. A group of six often represented a full set or work period, as seen in the universal six-day work week established in Genesis. This differed from modern, purely abstract numerical concepts, as numbers were often tied to tangible realities (like the hand) and covenantal patterns established by God.

שִׁשָּׁה (shishshah, H8337) — The feminine form of the same number 'six'. שִׁשִּׁי (shishshi, H8345) — The ordinal adjective 'sixth'. שִׁשִּׁים (shishshim, H8346) — The number 'sixty'.

Word Details

Scripture References