### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shilchîym**, represented by `{{H7978}}`, is the name of a place in Palestine. Its base definition is the plural of שֶׁלַח, which can mean "javelins or sprouts." It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, where it is transliterated as Shilhim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7978}}` is in a geographical list in the book of Joshua. In this passage, Shilhim is identified as one of several cities, counted among a group that also includes Lebaoth, Ain, and Rimmon. The verse specifies that these are cities `{{H5892}}` with their accompanying villages `{{H2691}}`, highlighting its role as a recognized settlement [[Joshua 15:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside Shilhim in its only context, helping to define its setting:
* `{{H3822}}` **Lᵉbâʼôwth** (lionesses): The name of another place in Palestine, Lebaoth is listed immediately before Shilhim as part of the same group of cities [[Joshua 15:32]].
* `{{H5871}}` **ʻAyin** (fountain): Listed after Shilhim, Ain is also a place name in Palestine. This term is used to identify multiple locations in scripture [[Joshua 15:32]].
* `{{H7417}}` **Rimmôwn** (Rimmon): This word names a Syrian deity as well as several places in Palestine. It is the final city named in the list with Shilhim [[Joshua 15:32]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word is used to categorize Shilhim and the other locations, defining them as cities in a wider sense, which could mean a guarded place or even an encampment [[Joshua 15:32]].
* `{{H2691}}` **châtsêr** (villages): This term further describes the settlements associated with Shilhim, meaning a yard, hamlet, or court, suggesting smaller, enclosed communities [[Joshua 15:32]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7978}}` is primarily geographical and administrative, not theological.
* **Geographical Marker:** Shilhim's inclusion in the list in Joshua establishes it as a known location in ancient Palestine during the time of the Israelite settlement.
* **Administrative Unit:** It is presented as part of a collection of twenty-nine cities with their associated villages, indicating it was part of a larger, defined district [[Joshua 15:32]].
* **Contextual Identity:** The name is defined solely by its association with the other cities listed in the same verse, such as Lebaoth, Ain, and Rimmon.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7978}}` is the proper name of a location, Shilhim. It is mentioned only once in scripture within a list of cities and villages. While its root word suggests a meaning of "javelins or sprouts," its biblical function is to serve as a geographical reference point within a larger administrative or tribal territory described in the book of Joshua.
TRV