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שִׁלְיָה

𐤔𐤋𐤉𐤄

shilyâh

H7988 noun

SILEX Entry

Root שׁלָה to draw out, to extract, to remove

Definition

Afterbirth, specifically the placenta or membrane surrounding the fetus; in some contexts, may refer to the fetal sac or caul delivered with the newborn. The term does not refer to the fetus itself but to the membrane or tissue associated with the birth process.

Semantic Range

afterbirth, placental membrane, fetal sac, caul

Root / Etymology

From the root שָׁלָה (sh-l-h), which fundamentally conveys the sense of drawing out, extracting, or being removed. The noun שִׁלְיָה is derived from this root, referring to what is 'drawn out' or expelled in the process of childbirth, i.e., the afterbirth.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In all biblical attestations (e.g., Job 3:16), שִׁלְיָה describes the afterbirth and not the fetus itself. Its technical meaning is supported by cognate usage in later Hebrew and related Semitic languages, as well as in later rabbinic and medical literature, where it consistently names the placenta or afterbirth. English Bible translations sometimes obscure this precise meaning by using words like 'untimely birth' or 'miscarriage,' but the original Hebrew strictly denotes the placental membrane or afterbirth expelled with birth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the term carried no pejorative or euphemistic connotation, in contrast to potential emotional associations in later periods. It is unrelated to classical Greek or Latin terminology for fetus or young, and should not be confused with Hebrew terms for offspring or children (e.g., יֶלֶד, בֵּן). There is no evidence of significant development or shift in meaning from the monarchic through later periods in Hebrew usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine from שָׁלָה; a fetus or babe (as extruded in birth); young one.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שלה (sh-l-h) — draw out, extract, remove

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
H7988-01 וּֽ/בְ/שִׁלְיָתָ֞/הּ uveshileyatah HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3fs and toward her afterbirth and in her afterbirth 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7988-01 Deuteronomy 28:57 וּֽ/בְ/שִׁלְיָתָ֞/הּ uveshileyatah HC/R/Ncfsc/Sp3fs and toward her afterbirth and in her afterbirth
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