שָׁלַב
𐤔𐤋𐤁
shâlab
H7947 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To interlock, to link together, to fit together or arrange objects so that they are evenly spaced or joined in an ordered fashion. The word describes the act of joining separate units or elements in a uniform, structured manner, often with the nuance of tight or precise connection.
Semantic Range
to interlock, to join together, to arrange in alternation, to fit together in an ordered or equidistant pattern, to set in order by linking
Root / Etymology
The root שׁ־ל־ב (שָׁלַב) conveys the basic sense of joining or intertwining. The verbal root can be connected to concepts of overlapping or interlacing pieces (such as wood or metal). The derived noun and verbal forms draw on the idea of connecting or arranging items so that each part alternates or matches with another part.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Usage of שָׁלַב is rare and appears primarily in contexts describing construction or design, such as the decorative linking of panels or objects (for example, the descriptions of Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings 7:28–36). The verb carries nuances beyond mere spacing: it often means a tight, interlocked, or alternating arrangement; not merely that objects are equally distant, but that they are physically or visually joined in a structured sequence. The concept can refer to alternating pieces, closely resembling the idea of joint-work or articulated fittings. English translations like 'to set in order' or 'to space evenly' only capture part of the word’s nuance. The root is not widely used in the Hebrew Bible, and there is some overlap in meaning with related roots such as חבּר (ḥaḇar, to join, associate), but שָׁלַב carries a distinct sense of close interlinking, as with mechanical or decorative elements. In later Hebrew periods, derived nouns can refer to a rung, step, or clasp, further emphasizing connection and interlinkage. The word does not carry a religious or ceremonial meaning but is focused on the technical aspect of joined construction.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to space off; intensive (evenly) to make equidistant; equally distant, set in order.
Bantu Hebrew
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שלב (sh-l-v) — join, link, interlock
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7948 | שָׁלָב | the joined crosspieces |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7947-01 |
מְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת | meshulavot | HVPsfpa |
fitted | tightly interlocked ones | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7947-01 |
Exodus 26:17 | מְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת | meshulavot | HVPsfpa |
fitted | tightly interlocked ones |
H7947-01 |
Exodus 36:22 | מְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת | meshulavot | HVPsfpa |
fitted | tightly interlocked ones |