שֵׁלָה

שֵׁלָה

Shelah, the name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an Israelite

Definition

Shelah is a proper name in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct individuals. Primarily, it denotes the third son of Judah by the Canaanite woman Bath-shua (Genesis 38:5, 1 Chronicles 2:3). In the narrative of Genesis 38, Shelah is central to the story of Tamar, as Judah withholds him from her, fearing his death like his brothers (Genesis 38:11, 26). Secondly, Shelah is the name of a postdiluvian patriarch, a son of Arpachshad and ancestor of Abraham (Genesis 11:12-15, 1 Chronicles 1:18, 24). This Shelah appears in the genealogical line connecting Shem to the Israelite people.

Biblical Usage

The name Shelah is used eight times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and genealogical contexts. In Genesis 38, it is used in the dramatic story of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:5, 11, 14, 26). In genealogical lists, it appears in the Table of Nations (Genesis 11:12-15), the genealogy of Judah's clan (1 Chronicles 2:3), and the census of the tribe of Judah (Numbers 26:20). It also appears in a list of Judah's descendants (1 Chronicles 4:21). The usage is consistently as a personal name for male figures.

Etymology

The name Shelah (שֵׁלָה) is generally understood as a shortened form of the noun שְׁאֵלָה (shᵉ'ēlâ, H7596), meaning 'request' or 'petition.' It is therefore interpreted as meaning 'requested [child]' or 'one who is asked for.' This connects it thematically to other biblical names derived from verbs of asking or lending, such as Saul (שָׁאוּל).

Semantic Range

The figure of Shelah, son of Judah, plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the messianic line. Judah's failure to give Shelah to Tamar (Genesis 38) leads to her act of securing an heir, resulting in the birth of Perez, who is listed in the genealogy of King David and Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:18-22, Matthew 1:3). Thus, understanding Shelah's place in this story highlights God's providence in maintaining the covenant lineage despite human failure and unconventional circumstances. In the cultural context of Genesis 38, the law of levirate marriage is central. Judah's obligation was to give his son Shelah to Tamar to produce an heir for his deceased brother. Withholding Shelah was a serious breach of familial and social duty, leaving Tamar in a vulnerable, destitute position. The name's meaning ('requested') also reflects the high cultural value placed on male heirs for carrying on the family name and inheritance. שְׁאֵלָה (shᵉ'ēlâ, H7596) — The full noun meaning 'request' or 'petition,' from which Shelah is derived.

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