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שַׁלֶּטֶת

𐤔𐤋𐤈𐤕

shalleṭeth

H7986 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root שלט to rule, have power, dominate

Definition

A female fox; specifically, a vixen. In the only attested biblical occurrence (Nehemiah 4:3), the term is used metaphorically to describe something slight or delicate, likening its effect to that of a vixen leaping onto a wall; by extension, it may connote something or someone with slyness or perceived weakness, but the primary, concrete meaning is 'female fox.'

Semantic Range

female fox, vixen; (by extension or metaphor) something slight or delicate, possibly slyness, but primarily zoological

Root / Etymology

Rooted in שָׁלַט (to rule, have power, have dominion), but in this form, בֵּן שַׁעַלְטָאֶת is the Aramaic equivalent meaning 'fox.' The precise etymology for this zoological meaning in Hebrew is debated, possibly of foreign origin, or transferred metaphorically from 'to rule' to connote the cunning or prominence of a fox. Etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

שַׁלֶּטֶת occurs only in Nehemiah 4:3, where the context—and early translations—suggest it refers to a small animal (a vixen or possibly a fox in general), not an 'imperious woman.' The word is rare and does not develop the metaphorical or extended senses found in later Jewish literature or in the English characterization 'imperious.' The association with 'power' or 'dominance' from the root שָׁלַט is etymologically confusing in this context and likely secondary. English translations often use 'fox,' sometimes with a note on the feminine form as 'vixen.' In post-biblical Hebrew, other terms (e.g. שׁוּעָל) become standard for 'fox.' Contextually, the reference is to the delicacy or lightness of a fox (vixen) rather than to dominance or imperiousness. The later application to assertive women is not substantiated in the biblical usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine from שָׁלַט; a vixen; imperious.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שלט (sh-l-ṭ) — to rule, have power, dominate

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7980 שָׁלַט to rule
H7981 שְׁלֵט they ruled
H7982 שֶׁלֶט the dominion-shields
H7983 שִׁלְטוֹן dominion
H7984 שִׁלְטוֹן ruling authorities of

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H7986-01 שַׁלָּֽטֶת shalatet HAafsa domineering vixen 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H7986-01 Ezekiel 16:30 שַׁלָּֽטֶת shalatet HAafsa domineering vixen
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