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שָׁלוּ

𐤔𐤋𐤅

shâlûw

H7960 noun

SILEX Entry

Root שלה to be at rest, be at ease, to neglect, to err

Definition

Aramaic noun denoting a fault, error, or lapse, particularly in legal or ritual contexts; refers to an act that deviates from what is correct, prescribed, or expected—whether intentionally or accidentally. May also describe what is missing, omitted, or amiss in execution of duty or ritual.

Semantic Range

fault, error, thing amiss, failure, act of omission, deviation from correct procedure or standard

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root שָׁלָה (to be at rest; be at ease) with the nominal formation שָׁלוּ, meaning 'fault' or 'error' in Aramaic. The nominal usage is likely a semantic extension—originally denoting what is left out, lacking, or deviating from completeness or correctness. The connection to the Hebrew (שָׁלָה) suggests a contrast: from 'ease' or 'rest' (the expected or correct state), to that which is amiss or in error (falling outside the proper state).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (notably Ezra 6:9, 7:22), שָׁלוּ appears specifically in administrative or legal decrees where the meaning is 'nothing amiss' or 'no error.' Its usage is restricted to Imperial Aramaic within the biblical corpus. The sense is broader than the English 'fault' or 'error,' as it may signify any breach of protocol, ritual impurity, or administrative mistake. While some translations render this with generic terms like 'error' or 'fault,' the original term often connotes something not as prescribed—especially in the context of regulations regarding temple practice. Notably, the root connection to rest or completeness emphasizes the idea of deviation from the expected standard or fulfillment. This stands in contrast to other Hebrew terms such as חֵטְא (ḥētʾ, 'sin, offense') or מַעַל (maʿal, 'trespass'), as שָׁלוּ does not necessarily signify a moral or ethical failing, but a broader category of error or deficiency.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) or שָׁלוּת; (Aramaic), from the same as שָׁלָה; a fault; error, [idiom] fail, thing amiss.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שלה (sh-l-h) — be at rest, be at ease, be complacent, neglect, err

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7887 שִׁילֹה in Shiloh
H7944 שַׁל the careless misstep
H7951 שָׁלָה I was at ease
H7952 שָׁלָה may you become complacent
H7953 שָׁלָה he will draw out

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7960-01 שָׁלוּ֙ shalu ANcfsa lack they were at ease 4

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7960-01 Daniel 3:29 שָׁלוּ֙ shalu ANcfsa peace they were at ease
H7960-01 Daniel 6:5 שָׁלוּ֙ shalu ANcfsa law they were at ease
H7960-01 Ezra 4:22 שָׁל֖וּ shalu ANcfsc negligent they were at ease
H7960-01 Ezra 6:9 שָׁלֽוּ shalu ANcfsa lack they were at ease
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