שָׁשָׁה
𐤔𐤔𐤄
shâshâh
H8341 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make something into six parts, to divide by six, or to assign a sixth portion; in context, typically used to describe dividing something into six equal shares, especially in legal or ritual contexts where allocation of portions is specified. The primary lexical meaning emphasizes partitioning by six or apportioning a sixth part.
Semantic Range
to divide into six parts, to apportion a sixth part, to assign a sixth share, to make something a sixth
Root / Etymology
A denominative verb formed from the noun שֵׁשׁ (shesh, 'six'), built on the root שׁ־שׁ which conveys the concept of 'sixness.' The verb form adapts the numeral to express the action of dividing or assigning by the number six.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb שָׁשָׁה is rare and found mainly in legal or ritual passages (e.g., Leviticus 6:13 in certain textual traditions), where division or allocation of portions is mandated by sixths. The term reflects a broader Semitic pattern of using denominative verbs for numerical division (cf. akin formations for other numerals). While often translated mechanically as 'to give the sixth part,' its nuance relates to precise apportionment for ritual, social, or legal division. The distinction between שָׁשָׁה ('to apportion by six') and other numbered divisions (e.g. חִצָּה for 'divide in half') reflects the Hebrew language's ability to articulate specific portions; English translations often lack these nuances, rendering the Hebrew more numerically precise than the English. In later Hebrew, such denominative numerals continue to be used in legal and technical language, but the specific verb שָׁשָׁה is rare in post-biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a denominative from שֵׁשׁ; to sixth or divide into sixths; give the sixth participle
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׁשׁ (sh-sh) — six, apportion, divide
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7893 | שַׁיִשׁ | bright white marble |
| H8336 | שֵׁשׁ | in shining white linen |
| H8337 | שֵׁשׁ | in six |
| H8343 | שָׁשַׁי | White-One |
| H8346 | שִׁשִּׁים | sixty |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8341-01 |
וְ/שִׁשִּׁיתֶם֙ | veshishitem | HC/Vpq2mp |
and you shall give a sixth | and you shall apportion a sixth | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8341-01 |
Ezekiel 45:13 | וְ/שִׁשִּׁיתֶם֙ | veshishitem | HC/Vpq2mp |
and you shall give a sixth | and you shall apportion a sixth |