שֶׁל

שֶׁל

on account of, whatsoever, whichsoever

Definition

The Hebrew word שֶׁל (shel) functions as a relative pronoun meaning 'that which,' 'whatsoever,' or 'on account of.' It is used to introduce a clause specifying a cause, reason, or indefinite object. In Jonah 1:7, it appears in the phrase 'on whose account' (עַל־שֶׁל־מִי) to identify the person responsible for the storm. In Song of Solomon 8:12, it means 'that which' in reference to Solomon's vineyard. Its usage often conveys a sense of attribution or cause, linking an action or object to a specific source or reason.

Biblical Usage

This word occurs only five times in the Old Testament, primarily in later biblical books (Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Jonah) and once in 2 Kings. It is consistently used with a prepositional prefix (like עַל, 'on account of') and often followed by a pronominal suffix. For example, in Jonah 1:12, Jonah says 'on my account' (עַל־שֶׁלִּי) this storm has come. The pattern shows it introducing a causal or explanatory clause, specifying the reason or possessor of something.

Etymology

The word שֶׁל is a shortened or later form of the more common relative pronoun אֲשֶׁר (asher, H834), meaning 'who, which, that.' It developed as a colloquial or poetic variant, often used with prepositions and pronominal suffixes. Its derivation reflects a linguistic streamlining in later Hebrew, maintaining the same core function of introducing relative clauses, particularly those indicating cause or possession.

Semantic Range

As a grammatical particle, שֶׁל does not carry significant independent cultural meaning. Its usage reflects the linguistic development of late biblical Hebrew, where it became a more concise alternative to אֲשֶׁר in certain constructions. This shift might indicate evolving speech patterns in the post-exilic period, as seen in books like Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. אֲשֶׁר (asher, H834) — The standard, more frequent relative pronoun 'who, which, that,' used throughout the Old Testament.

Word Details