or שִׁלֻּחַ; from שָׁלַח; (only in plural) a dismissal, i.e. (of a wife) divorce (especially the document); also (of a daughter) dower; presents, have sent back.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shillûwach**, represented by `{{H7964}}`, describes a form of **dismissal** or **presents**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The word's applications range from the sending away of a wife, sometimes translated as **divorce**, to a **dower** or gift given in a significant transaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical contexts, `{{H7964}}` signifies a definitive act of giving or sending. It is used to describe Moses having **sent her back{H7964}**, referring to his wife, Zipporah [[Exodus 18:2]]. The term also functions as a valuable gift or dowry; Pharaoh captured the city of Gezer and gave it as a **present{H7964}** to his daughter, Solomon’s wife [[1 Kings 9:16]]. In a prophetic declaration, Micah uses the word when commanding that Israel shall give **presents{H7964}** to Moreshethgath [[Micah 1:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the actions associated with `{{H7964}}`:
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This primitive root, meaning **to give**, is used directly with `{{H7964}}` in the accounts of Pharaoh having **given{H5414}** Gezer as a **present{H7964}** [[1 Kings 9:16]] and the instruction to **give{H5414} presents{H7964}** [[Micah 1:14]].
* `{{H3947}}` **lâqach** (to take): Meaning **to take**, this word appears when Jethro **took{H3947}** Zipporah after Moses **had sent her back{H7964}**, showing the sequence of dismissal and reception [[Exodus 18:2]].
* `{{H3920}}` **lâkad** (to capture or occupy): This verb sets up the context for the gift in [[1 Kings 9:16]], where Pharaoh had first **taken{H3920}** Gezer before he gave it as a **present{H7964}**, linking a gift to an act of conquest.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7964}}` is tied to its role in formal, consequential acts.
* **Marital Dismissal:** The term is used to signify a formal separation within a family, as when Moses **had sent her back{H7964}**, referring to his wife [[Exodus 18:2]], highlighting the concept of a definitive dismissal.
* **Dowry and Alliance:** `{{H7964}}` carries the weight of a significant transactional gift, specifically a **dower**. Pharaoh's giving of Gezer as a **present{H7964}** served to establish a political and familial alliance with Solomon [[1 Kings 9:16]].
* **Prophetic Sending:** In a prophetic context, the giving of **presents{H7964}** is symbolic. The instruction in [[Micah 1:14]] to **give{H5414} presents{H7964}** is part of a divine oracle, signifying a final, consequential act of sending away or tribute.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7964}}` is a specific term for a **dismissal** or **present** that, despite its infrequent use, marks pivotal moments in the biblical narrative. It defines actions ranging from the personal sending away of a wife [[Exodus 18:2]] to the political bestowal of a dower to seal an alliance [[1 Kings 9:16]]. Whether as a gift, a dower, or a form of dismissal, **shillûwach** consistently points to a formal and consequential act of sending or giving.
TRV