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.
The numerical form of H8346 itself, ending in -îym, is characteristic of Hebrew plural numerals, particularly multiples of ten (e.g., shᵉlôwshîym for thirty, arbaʻîym for forty). This grammatical structure reinforces its function not merely as an abstract quantity, but as a collective unit derived from the base number six. The consistency of its usage across diverse biblical texts underscores its role as a standard, easily understood measure within ancient Israelite society, whether for precise counts or for conveying a sense of substantial, yet manageable, quantity.
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.
Beyond architectural and military counts, H8346 frequently delineates specific groups of people, emphasizing communal structure and administrative detail. For instance, it quantifies the returning exiles, with the children of Zaccai numbering "seven hundred and threescore" Ezra 2:9 and the total congregation reaching "forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore" Ezra 2:64, highlighting the scale of the post-exilic community. Similarly, in the context of temple service, "threescore and eight" brethren served as porters under Obededom 1 Chronicles 16:38, indicating the organized nature of sacred duties.
The number marks significant aspects of resources and tribute. During the dedication of the altar, the offerings included "sixty" rams, he-goats, and lambs respectively, demonstrating a robust contribution to worship Numbers 7:88. In the division of spoils from battle, the Lord's tribute included "threescore and one" asses, reflecting a precise accounting of war's gains and the portion allocated to divine purposes Numbers 31:39. This showcases H8346's utility in detailing both sacred and secular economic transactions.
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.
- H8345 shishshîy (sixth): This is the ordinal form of the number six, directly related to H8346 as it denotes position in a sequence, just as shishshîym denotes a multiple.
- H8361 shittîyn (sixty): This Aramaic cognate appears in biblical Aramaic texts, serving as the linguistic equivalent to the Hebrew H8346, demonstrating the consistent numerical concept across closely related Semitic languages.
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.
- Completeness in Offerings: The repeated use of "sixty" for rams, he-goats, and lambs in the dedication offerings at the tabernacle Numbers 7:88 suggests a sense of completeness or abundance in the worship and consecration to God. It signifies a full and appropriate measure of sacrifice given by the leaders of Israel.
- Demographic Strength and Restoration: The frequent appearance of H8346 in census records and lists of returnees from exile, such as the "forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore" total congregation Ezra 2:64 or the "threescore males" who returned with Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah Ezra 8:13, highlights the demographic vitality and the successful re-establishment of the community of Israel after periods of dispersion.
- Territorial Control and Conquest: The enumeration of "threescore cities" across various conquered regions, particularly in Bashan and Argob Deuteronomy 3:4, Joshua 13:30, underscores the extent of Israel's divinely granted territorial inheritance and military success, emphasizing the vastness of the land brought under their dominion.
The Hebrew term H8346 shishshîym, meaning "sixty" or "threescore," functions as a foundational numerical marker throughout the Old Testament. Derived from H8337 shêsh (six), and paralleled by the ordinal H8345 shishshîy (sixth) and the Aramaic H8361 shittîyn, its grammatical form as a plural numeral underscores its role in quantifying substantial, yet comprehensible, collective units. This consistency made it a reliable standard for measurement in diverse aspects of ancient Israelite life.
Its widespread application is evident in quantifying people, from the "threescore concubines" in Rehoboam's court 2 Chronicles 11:21 to the "threescore valiant men" guarding Solomon's bed Song of Solomon 3:7. It marks significant life milestones, such as Isaac being "threescore years old" at Jacob's birth Genesis 25:26, and defines age categories for valuation in Levitical law Leviticus 27:3, Leviticus 27:7. Furthermore, H8346 is instrumental in detailing architectural dimensions, like the "threescore cubits" length of Solomon's temple 1 Kings 6:2, and in tallying military strength and territorial conquests, as seen with the "threescore thousand horsemen" 2 Chronicles 12:3 and the "threescore great cities" taken in Argob Deuteronomy 3:4.
Beyond these specific counts, H8346 conveys deeper theological significance. It anchors pivotal prophetic timelines, notably the "threescore and two weeks" leading to the Messiah's cutting off in Daniel's vision Daniel 9:26. It symbolizes completeness and abundance in offerings, as evidenced by the "sixty" rams, he-goats, and lambs dedicated at the altar Numbers 7:88. Its presence in census data and records of returning exiles, such as the "forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore" total congregation Ezra 2:64, speaks to the demographic strength and restoration of the community. Moreover, the repeated mention of "threescore cities" in conquered lands signifies the vastness of Israel's God-given inheritance and strategic control Joshua 13:30.
In essence, shishshîym is far more than a simple numerical descriptor. It serves as a comprehensive marker for scale, structure, and divine purpose, providing insight into historical events, communal organization, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan across various facets of biblical narrative, from human lifespans to temple dimensions and messianic prophecy.
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