### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉlôwshîym**, represented by `{{H7970}}`, is a numeral meaning **thirty** or, in its ordinal form, **thirtieth**. It appears **175 times** in **164 unique verses** throughout the scriptures. Derived as a multiple of the word for three, `{{H7969}}` **shâlôwsh**, it is used to quantify time, people, objects, and significant ages.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The number `{{H7970}}` is used to mark significant milestones and quantities in the biblical narrative. It denotes the age of readiness for leadership, as Joseph was **thirty** years old when he entered Pharaoh's service [[Genesis 41:46]], and David was **thirty** when he began his reign [[2 Samuel 5:4]]. This age also marked the start of service for the Levites in the tabernacle [[Numbers 4:3]]. The term is used for periods of mourning, with Israel weeping for both Moses and Aaron for **thirty** days ([[Deuteronomy 34:8]], [[Numbers 20:29]]). It also appears in prophetic contexts, such as the **thirtieth** year of Ezekiel's vision [[Ezekiel 1:1]] and the symbolic payment of **thirty** pieces of silver to Zechariah [[Zechariah 11:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other numerals are frequently used in conjunction with `{{H7970}}`, providing broader numerical context:
* `{{H7969}}` **shâlôwsh** (three): As the primitive number from which **thirty** is derived, it is often used in combination to form numbers like **thirty-three**, as in the number of David's years reigning in Jerusalem [[1 Kings 2:11]].
* `{{H2572}}` **chămishshîym** (fifty): This word is often paired with **thirty** to define the age span for Levitical service, from **thirty** years old up to **fifty** years old [[Numbers 4:3]].
* `{{H505}}` **ʼeleph** (thousand): This term is frequently multiplied by **thirty** to denote large armies or populations, such as the **thirty thousand** chosen men of Israel gathered by David [[2 Samuel 6:1]] or the **thirty thousand** footmen who fell in battle [[1 Samuel 4:10]].
* `{{H3967}}` **mêʼâh** (hundred): This numeral is used to express large spans of time or value, such as Adam living an **hundred** and **thirty** years before begetting Seth [[Genesis 5:3]].
### Theological Significance
The number `{{H7970}}` carries significant conceptual weight in several areas.
* **Maturation and Consecration:** The age of **thirty** consistently marks a point of readiness for significant life roles. Joseph began his administration in Egypt at **thirty** [[Genesis 41:46]], David began his reign at **thirty** [[2 Samuel 5:4]], and Levites were consecrated for their sacred service in the tabernacle from the age of **thirty** [[Numbers 4:3]].
* **Symbolic Value:** The value of **thirty** is established in law and prophecy. The compensation for a manservant or maidservant killed by an ox was set at **thirty** shekels of silver [[Exodus 21:32]]. This value is echoed prophetically when Zechariah is paid **thirty** pieces of silver, a price he casts to the potter in the house of the LORD [[Zechariah 11:13]].
* **Defined Periods:** The number defines specific, complete periods of time. A full period of national mourning is designated as **thirty** days, as seen after the deaths of both Aaron [[Numbers 20:29]] and Moses [[Deuteronomy 34:8]]. The "thirtieth year" also serves as a pivotal marker for the start of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry [[Ezekiel 1:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7970}}` functions as more than a simple quantity. It serves as a benchmark for maturity and the commencement of royal or priestly duty. It establishes a specific value in both legal and prophetic contexts and marks completed cycles of time, such as periods of mourning. From designating the age of kings to the price of a life, **shᵉlôwshîym** is woven into the fabric of Israel's legal, historical, and prophetic scriptures.
TRV