or שִׁלְשֹׁם; from the same as שֶׁלֶשׁ; trebly, i.e. (in time) day before yesterday; [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shilshôwm**, represented by `{{H8032}}`, is a term signifying a time before the present, often translated as **the day before yesterday**, **heretofore**, or **time past**. It appears 25 times in 25 unique verses. Derived from a root meaning "trebly," its primary function is to establish a past condition or a point of comparison against which a current situation is measured.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8032}}` is used to mark significant shifts in relationships, circumstances, and historical periods. It is frequently employed to establish a baseline of what was normal "before." For instance, Jacob observed that Laban's countenance was not toward him "as before" [[Genesis 31:2]], indicating a souring of their relationship. In a legal context, it is crucial for determining intent, as in the case of a slayer who "hated him not in time past" [[Deuteronomy 19:6]], which qualified him for refuge. The term also marks unprecedented events, such as the Philistines' fear when the Ark of God entered their camp, because "there hath not been such a thing heretofore" [[1 Samuel 4:7]]. A unique usage appears in [[Proverbs 22:20]], where it is translated as "excellent things."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are almost always used in conjunction with `{{H8032}}` to emphasize this sense of past time:
* `{{H8543}}` **tᵉmôwl** (yesterday, or day before yesterday): This word is frequently paired with `{{H8032}}` to form an idiom for "time past" or "heretofore." In [[Exodus 4:10]], Moses uses the combined phrase to tell God he was not eloquent even "heretofore."
* `{{H865}}` **ʼethmôwl** (heretofore; definitely yesterday): Similar to `{{H8543}}`, this term is often joined with `{{H8032}}` to describe a prior state. It is used to recall David's past military leadership "in time past" while Saul was still king [[2 Samuel 5:2]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H8032}}` is evident in its application across different areas of life and law.
* **Legal Precedent:** The word is foundational in establishing prior conditions for legal judgments. The status of an ox that was known "to push in time past" [[Exodus 21:29]] determined the owner's liability, highlighting how past behavior creates present responsibility.
* **Historical Reference:** It serves as a benchmark for historical change. The leaders of Israel refer to David's leadership "in times past" to validate their desire for him to be king [[2 Samuel 3:17]].
* **Relational Baseline:** The term captures the state of personal relationships before a change. Jonathan brought David back to Saul's presence, to be there "as in times past" [[1 Samuel 19:7]], signifying a temporary restoration of a former, positive state.
* **Specific Time Marker:** In one instance, the word is used more literally to specify a period of time, when David tells the priest that women have been kept from them for "about these three days" [[1 Samuel 21:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8032}}` is a dynamic term that does more than simply point to the past. It functions as a narrative and legal tool for contrast, establishing a "before" to give meaning to the "after." Whether defining a lack of malice in law, a change in a personal relationship, or a shift in national leadership, **shilshôwm** provides the necessary historical context to understand the significance of the present moment in the biblical account.
TRV