Lexical Summary
shalash: To do a third time, to divide into three parts, to do something in thirds
Original Word:שָׁלַשׁ
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:shalash
Pronunciation:shah-lash'
Phonetic Spelling:(shaw-lash')
KJV: do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old)
NASB:three year old, third time, three, did it a third time, divide into three parts, do it a third time, stayed for three days
Word Origin:[a primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e. treble]
1. but apparently used only as denominative from H7969, to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
do the third time, divide into, stay three days,
A primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e. Treble; but apparently used only as denominative fromshalowsh, to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years) -- do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, - fold, parts, years old).
see HEBREWshalowsh
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origindenominative verb from
shaloshDefinitionto do a third time, divide into three parts
NASB Translationdid it a third time (1), divide into three parts (1), do it a third time (1), stayed for three days (1), third time (2), three (2), three days (1), three parts (1), three year old (3).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. [] , etc.; —
Perfect2masculine singular
Deuteronomy 19:3divide land
into three parts (so
Imperfect [for ]
2 Samuel 18:2L Bu);
1 Samuel 20:19stay three days (compare Dr);
1 Samuel 20:20 We Dr and others (compare ) read (for ) =
I will shoot on the third day with the arrows (HPS question);
Imperfect3masculine plural
1 Kings 18:34, and
Imperative masculine plural
1 Kings 18:34do a third time.Participlethree years oldGenesis 15:9 +1 Samuel 1:24 (read with Th We etc. for ), feminineGenesis 15:9 (twice in verse);Ecclesiastes 4:12the threefold cord; female pluralEzekiel 42:6three-storied chambers.
Topical Lexicon
Range of Biblical ContextsThe verb שָׁלַשׁ appears nine times, always introducing a three-fold element—animals of three years, threefold division, a third day, triple repetition, three-strand cord, three-tiered structure. In every setting it accents completeness, confirmation, or intensified strength.
Covenant and Sacrifice (Genesis 15:9)
When the Lord cut the covenant with Abram He required “a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, and a ram three years old” (Genesis 15:9). The age marks full maturity and underscores the finality of the promise. Each animal is offered at the same stage of life, portraying harmony within the covenant ceremony. The threefold demand also anticipates later triadic covenant signs—blood, fire, and smoke in Exodus; water, blood, and Spirit in 1 John.
Civil Administration and Mercy (Deuteronomy 19:3)
Israel must “divide into three parts the land” so that a manslayer may quickly reach refuge. The triple division ensures equal access from every region, marrying justice with compassion. In ministry the pattern reminds leaders to remove needless barriers to repentance and restoration, distributing resources with thoughtful balance.
Timing for Deliverance (1 Samuel 20:19)
Jonathan instructs David to hide “on the third day,” using שָׁלַשׁ to mark the decisive moment. The phrase signals hope beyond immediate danger and prefigures the many “third-day” deliverances culminating in the resurrection of Christ. Congregations can draw courage from the pledge that God appoints a definite, often triadic, limit to trial.
Prophetic Confirmation (1 Kings 18:34)
Elijah commands the servants, “‘Fill four jars with water and pour it on the offering.’ … ‘Do it a second time’ … ‘Do it a third time.’” The repeated verb piles water on the altar until all natural possibility of ignition is removed; only divine fire can answer. When preaching, the account underlines that multiplying obstacles only magnifies God’s vindication of His word.
Strength in Fellowship (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Here שָׁלַשׁ frames enduring unity. Marriage, friendship, and congregational life gain resilience when God is woven in as the third strand. Discipleship groups often apply this verse to stress accountability and mutual support.
Temple Architecture (Ezekiel 42:6)
The temple chambers “were in three levels,” testifying to ordered beauty and expanding capacity. The triple storeys mirror other three-tiered holy spaces (Exodus 26;1 Kings 6) and anticipate the heavenly city whose “length and width and height are equal” (Revelation 21:16).
Theological Reflection on the Threefold Pattern
1. Verification: events occurring thrice establish certainty (Genesis 41:32;Acts 10).
2. Completion: three marks the whole span—beginning, middle, end.
3. Revelation: triads prepare hearts for the full unveiling of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Practical Ministry Implications
• Craft worship elements that echo biblical triads—threefold benedictions, triple “Holy.”
• Offer counseling rooted inEcclesiastes 4:12, pairing believers so Christ becomes the vital third strand.
• In teaching apologetics, note how repeatedly God seals testimony on the third occurrence, encouraging confidence in scriptural reliability.
• Model leadership decisions onDeuteronomy 19:3: equitable, accessible, and protective of the vulnerable.
Through its nine appearances שָׁלַשׁ weaves a tapestry of covenant faithfulness, protection, vindication, unity, and ordered worship, all pointing toward the One who rose on the third day and perfects every threefold promise.
Forms and Transliterations
הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ המשלש וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙ וַיְשַׁלֵּֽשׁוּ׃ וישלשו׃ ושלשת מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ מְשֻׁלָּשׁוֹת֙ משלש משלשות משלשת שַׁלֵּ֖שׁוּ שלשו ham·šul·lāš hamshulLash hamšullāš mə·šul·lā·šō·wṯ mə·šul·lāš mə·šul·le·šeṯ meshulLash meshullashOt meshulLeshet məšullāš məšullāšōwṯ məšullešeṯ šal·lê·šū šallêšū shalLeshu vayshalLeshu veshillashTa way·šal·lê·šū wayšallêšū wə·šil·laš·tā wəšillaštā
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