English · KJV
H8353

שֵׁת

shêth /shayth/ Ask about this word
Root(Aramaic) or שִׁת
Meaning(Aramaic), corresponding to שֵׁשׁ; (six)
KJV usagesix(-th).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of shêth — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word shêth, represented by H8353, is the term for six or sixth. It is a specific numerical designation that appears 2 times in 2 unique verses. Its usage is confined to historical narratives where precision in measurement or time is required.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical occurrences, H8353 is used to denote both a physical dimension and a point in time. In the book of Daniel, it is used to describe the breadth of the golden image Nebuchadnezzar erected, specifying its width as six cubits Daniel 3:1. In Ezra, the term is used as an ordinal number, marking the completion of the second temple on the third day of Adar in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius Ezra 6:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Aramaic words appear in the same contexts, providing a fuller picture of the measurements and timelines involved:

  • H6613 pᵉthay (breadth): This word for width is used directly alongside H8353 in describing the dimensions of Nebuchadnezzar's image Daniel 3:1. It is also used to specify the dimensions of the house of God in the decree by Cyrus Ezra 6:3.
  • H8361 shittîyn (threescore): This term for sixty is a multiple of six. It is used in the same verse as H8353 to describe the height of the golden image as threescore cubits Daniel 3:1, and also appears in the temple decree dimensions Ezra 6:3.
  • H8532 tᵉlâth (three or third): This word for three is used alongside H8353 in Ezra to mark the exact date of the temple's completion as the third day of the month in the sixth year Ezra 6:15.

Theological Significance

The significance of H8353 is found in the contrasting contexts of its use.

  • Defining Human Hubris: The number is used to precisely measure an object of idolatry. The dimensions of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, including its six cubit breadth, are meticulously recorded, highlighting the calculated nature of this act of rebellion Daniel 3:1.
  • Marking Divine Restoration: In contrast, the term sixth year is used to pinpoint the exact moment of the completion of God's house. It marks the fulfillment of a divine purpose and the restoration of proper worship in Jerusalem Ezra 6:15.
  • Precision in Historical Record: The use of specific numbers like six in both Daniel and Ezra underscores the detailed and factual nature of the biblical account, whether recording the works of a pagan king or the rebuilding of the temple.

Summary

In summary, H8353 shêth is a simple but important numerical term. While appearing only twice, its usage provides precise details that carry significant weight. It is used to define the scale of a man-made idol in an act of defiance, and it is also used to mark the specific year that God's temple was finished, illustrating how the same numerical language can frame contexts of both human arrogance and divine fulfillment.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as an adjective across 2 occurrences, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • שִׁת

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H6613 פְּתַי (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to פָּתָה; open, i.e. (as noun) width; breadth. H8361 שִׁתִּין (Aramaic) corresponding to שִׁשִּׁים (compare שֵׁת); sixty; threescore. H8532 תְּלָת (Aramaic) masculine תְּלָתָה; (Aramaic), or תְּלָתָא; (Aramaic), corresponding to שָׁלוֹשׁ; three or third; third, three

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Ezra and Daniel (1 verse each); never once in the other 37.

1
Ezra
1
Daniel

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.