The Hebrew word shayish, represented by H7893, translates to marble. Its definition is derived from an unused root that means to bleach or whiten, highlighting the stone's characteristic color. This term appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible, making its sole appearance a significant point of study.
The single use of H7893 is found in the context of King David's extensive preparations for the construction of the temple. In 1 Chronicles 29:2, David recounts the materials he has gathered with all his might H3581 for the house H1004 of his God H430. Marble is listed at the end of a long and valuable inventory that includes gold H2091, silver H3701, brass H5178, iron H1270, wood H6086, and various types of precious H3368 and ornamental stones H68, all collected in abundance H7230.
Several related words from its primary context enrich the meaning of shayish:
- H68 'eben (a stone): This is the general term for stone, used alongside shayish to specify "marble stones". It is foundational to building and is also used figuratively, as in the "precious corner stone" laid in Zion Isaiah 28:16.
- H3368 yâqâr (precious): This word, meaning valuable or costly, is used to describe the stones gathered alongside marble. Its use emphasizes the great worth and honor associated with the materials for the temple, as in "every precious stone was thy covering" Ezekiel 28:13.
- H1004 bayith (house): This is the destination for the marble and all other prepared materials. It signifies not just a physical structure but a place of dwelling and worship, a concept central to passages like, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15.
The theological weight of H7893 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
- Worthy Offerings: The inclusion of marble alongside materials like gold H2091 and silver H3701 demonstrates a commitment to offering God the best, most beautiful, and most enduring materials for His house 1 Chronicles 29:2.
- Abundant Preparation: David's gathering of "marble stones in abundance" H7230 illustrates the principle of generous and wholehearted giving. The preparation for the temple was not done sparingly but with all of one's might H3581 and resources.
- Lasting Foundations: As a durable and beautiful building material, marble H7893 symbolizes the desire to create a permanent and glorious place for worship, reflecting the eternal nature of the God H430 it was meant to honor 1 Chronicles 29:2.
In summary, while H7893 shayish is a rare word, its single appearance is highly instructive. It represents the value, beauty, and permanence of the materials deemed worthy for the house H1004 of God. Its context in 1 Chronicles 29:2 firmly associates it with themes of lavish preparation, generous giving, and the human desire to honor God with the finest and most lasting of offerings.
TRV