### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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