The Hebrew word shiddâh, represented by H7705, is a term with a range of meanings including a wife, musical instrument, or the idiom all sorts. It appears 2 times in 1 unique verse, indicating its rare and specific application in scripture. Its meaning is derived almost entirely from its context within a list of worldly acquisitions.
The sole appearance of H7705 is in Ecclesiastes 2:8, where the author recounts the vast wealth and pleasures he has amassed. After listing silver H3701, gold H2091, the peculiar treasure H5459 of kings H4428, and singers H7891, he concludes with "the delights H8588 of the sons H1121 of men H120, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts." The double use of the word in this verse emphasizes the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the author's collection of worldly pleasures.
The meaning of H7705 is illuminated by the luxurious items listed alongside it in its only scriptural context:
- H8588 taʻănûwg (luxury; delicate, delight, pleasant): This word for luxury and delight immediately precedes H7705, describing the nature of the items being cataloged as "the delights of the sons of men" Ecclesiastes 2:8.
- H5459 çᵉgullâh (jewel, peculiar (treasure), proper good, special): This term, denoting a special or peculiar treasure, is part of the same list of gathered valuables Ecclesiastes 2:8. It signifies wealth that is closely held and is also used to describe Israel as God's peculiar treasure Exodus 19:5.
- H7891 shîyr (to sing): This root word is used for the "men singers and women singers" acquired by the author in the same passage Ecclesiastes 2:8. It establishes a context of musical entertainment where the interpretation of H7705 as "musical instruments" fits logically.
The theological significance of H7705 is tied entirely to its context within the book of Ecclesiastes.
- The Accumulation of Worldly Pleasures: The use of H7705 is part of a grand list of possessions gathered to test the limits of worldly fulfillment. This exhaustive collection, including gold H2091, silver H3701, and royal treasures H5459, is ultimately declared to be vanity Ecclesiastes 2:8.
- Human Endeavor: The author's action to "gather" (kânaç, H3664) these delights, including H7705, represents the peak of human effort to find satisfaction. This is contrasted with the book's final conclusion that the whole duty of man H120 is to fear God and keep his commandments Ecclesiastes 12:13.
- A Symbol of Luxury: Positioned alongside "delights" H8588 and "peculiar treasure" H5459, H7705 serves as a term for a specific, perhaps ultimate, form of human luxury desired by the "sons of men" H1121, which is shown to be ultimately unsatisfying Ecclesiastes 2:8.
In summary, while shiddâh H7705 is used only once in Scripture, its context is profoundly significant. It is not defined by frequent use but by its role in one of the Bible's most poignant explorations of materialism. It functions as a capstone to a list of earthly treasures, representing the pinnacle of human luxury and pleasure, which are ultimately shown to be fleeting apart from a relationship with God.
TRV