### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shishshîym**, represented by `{{H8346}}`, is a numeral meaning **sixty** or **threescore**. It appears 59 times across 56 unique verses in the Bible. As a multiple of the word **shêsh** `{{H8337}}`, meaning "six," it is used consistently for counting people, objects, measurements, and periods of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8346}}` is used to quantify large numbers in various contexts. It defines the size of families and royal courts, such as when Rehoboam took **threescore** concubines [[2 Chronicles 11:21]] or when **threescore** valiant men protected Solomon's bed [[Song of Solomon 3:7]]. It also specifies architectural dimensions, like the **threescore** cubits that formed the length of the temple Solomon built [[1 Kings 6:2]]. The term is frequently used in census counts and military tallies, as seen with the **threescore** thousand horsemen from Egypt [[2 Chronicles 12:3]] and the **threescore** cities taken in the region of Argob [[Deuteronomy 3:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related numerical terms provide context for the use of `{{H8346}}`:
* `{{H8337}}` **shêsh** (six): As the root number, **shêsh** is foundational to **shishshîym**. It is often combined to form specific numbers, such as "threescore and six" souls who came with Jacob to Egypt [[Genesis 46:26]] or the "six hundred threescore and six" talents of gold for Solomon [[1 Kings 10:14]].
* `{{H8147}}` **shᵉnayim** (two): This word is frequently paired with sixty, notably in Daniel's prophecy of "threescore and two weeks" before the Messiah would be cut off [[Daniel 9:26]]. It also appears in genealogical records, as with Jared living nine hundred sixty and **two** years [[Genesis 5:20]].
* `{{H7970}}` **shᵉlôwshîym** (thirty): This numeral is used alongside sixty in describing the grand scale of Solomon's projects. The temple was **threescore** cubits long and **thirty** cubits high [[1 Kings 6:2]], and Solomon's daily provision included **threescore** measures of meal and **thirty** measures of fine flour [[1 Kings 4:22]].
### Theological Significance
The number `{{H8346}}` carries significance in several key biblical themes, primarily related to time, life, and scale.
* **Prophetic Timelines:** Its most profound use is in the book of Daniel, where "threescore and two weeks" are designated as part of a timeline leading to the Messiah [[Daniel 9:25]]. This places the number at the center of a pivotal redemptive prophecy.
* **Life Milestones and Valuation:** Sixty years marks a significant stage of life. Isaac was **threescore** years old at the birth of his sons, a foundational event in Israel's history [[Genesis 25:26]]. In Levitical law, sixty is a boundary age for the valuation of persons dedicated to the sanctuary ([[Leviticus 27:3]], 27:7).
* **Kingdom and Temple Dimensions:** The number is used to convey the grandeur of God-ordained structures and territories. It describes the "threescore great cities" in Bashan [[Deuteronomy 3:4]] and the length of Solomon's temple [[1 Kings 6:2]], underscoring the scale of God's provision and the sacred space dedicated to Him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8346}}` is more than a simple counting word. It serves as a significant marker for quantifying people, measurements, and resources, from the dimensions of Solomon's temple [[1 Kings 6:2]] to the number of valiant men or royal concubines ([[Song of Solomon 3:7]], [[2 Chronicles 11:21]]). It functions as a key milestone in human lifespan and genealogical records [[Genesis 25:26]]. Most importantly, it plays an indispensable role in messianic prophecy, anchoring the timeline for the coming of the Messiah Prince in the book of Daniel [[Daniel 9:25]]. Thus, **shishshîym** helps to frame the scale of historical events, human lives, and God's redemptive plan.
TRV