שָׁלָב
𐤔𐤋𐤁
shâlâb
H7948 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A structural component within a larger wooden or stone framework, typically referring to a crosspiece, rung, or horizontal bar (such as those found in a ladder, frame, or architectural panel). The word can denote a part that joins or separates other structural elements, functioning as a support, divider, or ledge within an architectural or crafted context. Its primary usage in the Hebrew Bible is for the horizontal 'rungs' or 'ledges' found in the design of sacred objects such as the bronze altar.
Semantic Range
crosspiece, rung, horizontal bar, ledge, stile, structural support within a frame or altar
Root / Etymology
From the root שָׁלַב, meaning 'to join, to interweave, to combine.' The noun שָׁלָב derives from this root and refers to a joined or combined piece, specifically a crossbar or connecting element within a larger structure.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שָׁלָב occurs in the context of Israelite cultic architecture, specifically in describing the construction of the bronze altar in Exodus 27:5 and 38:4. In this context, it designates the horizontal ledges or rungs built into the altar to provide structural support or serve as features of the altar's form. The Septuagint renders the term as θριγκός ('battlement') or δρύφις ('bar'), reflecting interpretive choices about the altar's architecture. The English KJV translation 'ledge' or 'compass' is influenced by traditional readings but may not capture its technical architectural nuance. There is little evidence for the word outside of these contexts, making its meaning reliant on context, related roots, and ancient translations. Not to be confused with related architectural terms such as קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh, 'plank, board') or סָבִיב (saviv, 'round about'), שָׁלָב is a specific word for a joined crosspiece or rung. Its meaning appears stable in the limited biblical record, pertaining to Israelite cultic and architectural contexts without broader application in later texts. The meaning did not significantly evolve in post-exilic or later periods due to its specialized, technical use.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁלַב; a spacer or raised interval, i.e. the stile in aframe or panel; ledge.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שלב (sh-l-b) — join, interweave, combine
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7947 | שָׁלַב | tightly interlocked ones |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7948-01 |
הַ/שְׁלַבִּֽים | hashelabim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the uprights | the joined crosspieces | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7948-01 |
1 Kings 7:28 | הַ/שְׁלַבִּֽים | hashelabim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the frames | the joined crosspieces |
H7948-01 |
1 Kings 7:29 | הַ/שְׁלַבִּ֗ים | hashelabim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the uprights | the joined crosspieces |
H7948-01 |
1 Kings 7:29 | הַ/שְׁלַבִּ֖ים | hashelabim-2 | HTd/Ncmpa |
the uprights | the joined crosspieces |