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 adverb שִׁלְשׁוֹם (shilshôwm, `{{H8032}}`) is fundamentally derived from the root signifying "three" (related to שֶׁלֶשׁ, `{{H7969}}` or `{{H7991}}`). This etymological connection directly informs its most precise temporal meaning: "day before yesterday." The "trebly" aspect in its definition points to a counting back of three temporal units: today, yesterday, and the day before yesterday.
However, the semantic range of שִׁלְשׁוֹם extends beyond this strict two-day backward count. Its usage in the Hebrew Bible often encompasses a broader sense of "before (that time, -time)," "heretofore," or "time past." This broader application indicates that while its literal core is specific, in context it can function as a general marker for a past time that is not immediate, a period somewhat removed or earlier. The marginal note of "excellent things" in some lexicons is an unusual and likely erroneous interpretation, not aligning with the word's consistent temporal usage in the Masoretic Text. The primary and consistent meaning remains firmly in the domain of temporal reference, specifically to a past that is not the immediate past.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
שִׁלְשׁוֹם (shilshôwm, `{{H8032}}`) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences consistently highlight its temporal function, often in conjunction with תְמוֹל (temol, `{{H8543}}`, "yesterday").
In [[Exodus 5:7]] and [[Exodus 5:14]], Pharaoh's taskmasters use the phrase "as heretofore" (כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם) when demanding bricks without straw. This refers to the established, customary practice of brick production, implying a past that extends beyond just the previous day, indicating a long-standing tradition. The pairing with תְמוֹל emphasizes a continuum of past time, signifying "as in former times" or "as always has been."
Similarly, in [[Deuteronomy 4:42]], concerning the law of the cities of refuge, the text specifies a killer "who had not hated him heretofore" (וְלֹא שֹׂנֵא הוּא לוֹ מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם). Here, "day before yesterday" (or "heretofore") is crucial for distinguishing accidental killing from premeditated murder. The absence of animosity "yesterday or the day before" signifies that there was no prior ill will, thus supporting the claim of unintentional homicide.
In [[1 Samuel 10:11]], after Saul prophesies among the prophets, those who knew him "heretofore" (מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם) express surprise, asking, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" The phrase underscores a stark contrast between Saul's previous known character and his sudden prophetic behavior, indicating that this was not how he had acted in the past.
Other instances further illustrate this temporal function. In [[2 Kings 13:5]], God gives Israel a deliverer "as heretofore" (כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם), signifying a consistent pattern of divine intervention in times of distress. [[1 Chronicles 11:2]] records the tribes affirming to David, "Even heretofore, when Saul was king, you were he who led out and brought in Israel," highlighting David's consistent leadership role even before his official kingship.
These contexts demonstrate that while "day before yesterday" is the precise literal meaning, שִׁלְשׁוֹם often functions to denote a general "time past" or "heretofore," especially when combined with תְמוֹל to describe a period of established practice, a consistent state of affairs, or a recognized history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of שִׁלְשׁוֹם (shilshôwm, `{{H8032}}`) is the numeral שֶׁלֶשׁ (shelesh, `{{H7969}}` or `{{H7991}}`), meaning "three" or "third." This etymological foundation is key to understanding its primary temporal sense as "three (days back)" or "the third day back."
Other related temporal adverbs and concepts in Hebrew include:
* תְמוֹל (temol, `{{H8543}}`): "yesterday." This word is frequently paired with שִׁלְשׁוֹם (e.g., תְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם) to form the idiomatic expression "yesterday and the day before," which often broadly means "formerly," "in times past," or "as always." The combination emphasizes a continuum of past time.
* אֶתְמוֹל (etmol, `{{H865}}`): An alternative form of תְמוֹל, also meaning "yesterday."
* מֵאָז (me'az, `{{H227}}`): "since then," "from that time." This term also points to a past point in time from which something has continued, but without the specific "day before yesterday" nuance.
* קֶדֶם (qedem, `{{H6924}}`): "east," but also "ancient time," "before." This word can denote a more distant past, even primordial or eternal past, offering a contrast to the more recent past indicated by שִׁלְשׁוֹם.
* עוֹלָם (olam, `{{H5769}}`): "eternity," "long duration," "forever." This word encompasses both past and future time of indefinite or eternal duration.
These terms collectively populate the semantic field of temporal reference in Hebrew, allowing for nuanced expressions of time, from the immediate past to the distant past and even eternity. The specificity of שִׁלְשׁוֹם, particularly in its idiomatic pairing, serves to mark a period that is not just "now" or "yesterday," but extends a bit further back, implying an established custom, a known history, or a state of affairs that has persisted.
### Theological Significance
While שִׁלְשׁוֹם (shilshôwm, `{{H8032}}`) is a temporal adverb without inherent theological content, its usage contributes significantly to several theological themes in the biblical narrative:
1. **Continuity of Divine Providence and Covenant Faithfulness:** In passages like [[2 Kings 13:5]], where God gives Israel a deliverer "as heretofore" (כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם), the word underscores the consistent and unchanging nature of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. It points to a historical pattern of divine intervention and salvation, reminding the reader that God's character and His commitment to His promises are not new but have been demonstrated throughout Israel's past. This reinforces the reliability of God and His enduring care for His chosen people.
2. **Human Responsibility and Justice:** The use of "heretofore" in the context of the cities of refuge ([[Deuteronomy 4:42]]) is crucial for the administration of justice. The stipulation that the killer had "not hated him heretofore" (וְלֹא שֹׂנֵא הוּא לוֹ מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם) highlights the biblical emphasis on intent and prior relationship in legal judgments. This reflects God's demand for a justice system that considers not only the immediate act but also the heart and history of the individual, distinguishing between accidental harm and malicious intent. It speaks to the moral accountability of individuals before God and the community.
3. **Establishing Norms and Historical Precedent:** In contexts such as [[Exodus 5:7]] (regarding labor quotas) or [[1 Chronicles 11:2]] (David's leadership), "heretofore" describes established norms, practices, or historical realities. While these are human-defined, their mention in Scripture often provides a baseline against which current events are measured or deviations are noted. This subtly contributes to the biblical understanding of order, tradition, and the recognition of past precedents, whether for good or ill, shaping the present and future.
In essence, שִׁלְשׁוֹם helps to ground biblical narratives and legal instructions in a specific temporal reality, allowing for a nuanced understanding of historical continuity, divine providence, and human accountability within God's unfolding plan. It subtly but effectively reinforces the idea that God acts in history, and human actions are judged within the context of their past.
### Summary
שִׁלְשׁוֹם (shilshôwm, `{{H8032}}`) is a Hebrew adverb whose primary meaning is "day before yesterday," stemming from its etymological connection to the number "three." While precise, its semantic range often extends to a more general "time past," "heretofore," or "formerly," particularly when it appears in the idiomatic pairing with תְמוֹל (temol, `{{H8543}}`, "yesterday"), forming the phrase "yesterday and the day before," which signifies a period of established custom or a persistent condition.
Biblical occurrences, such as in [[Exodus 5:7]], [[Deuteronomy 4:42]], and [[2 Kings 13:5]], consistently employ שִׁלְשׁוֹם to mark a specific or general past time. The word contributes to the biblical understanding of continuity—whether of divine action, human responsibility, or established practices. It helps to anchor narratives in a temporal framework, providing crucial context for legal distinctions (e.g., distinguishing premeditation in [[Deuteronomy 4:42]]) and highlighting the consistent nature of God's faithfulness (e.g., His pattern of deliverance in [[2 Kings 13:5]]). Though a seemingly simple temporal marker, שִׁלְשׁוֹם plays a significant role in conveying the historical depth and continuity inherent in the biblical record, serving to connect present events with past realities and underscore the enduring nature of divine and human patterns.
TRV