שילוש
shilush
The English word "trinity" is translated into Hebrew as שילוש (shilush).
In a Christian context, שילוש refers to the three persons of the Godhead.
Meaning: Christianity: three persons of the Godhead (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ש–ל–ש, which relates to the number three, specifically from the noun שלושה (three) via a pattern indicating a triad or a group of three.
How do you pronounce it?
shilush
Did you know?
- The word שילוש is also used in modern Hebrew to describe a 'hat-trick' in football or a three-goal scoring streak.
- Because Hebrew is a Semitic language, שילוש is built from a three-letter root, reflecting the very number three it describes.
- In Jewish theological discussions, the term שילוש is rarely used, as it is heavily associated with Christian dogma. Instead, Jewish scholars might use שלושה חלקים to discuss a 'triad' of concepts without the religious connotation.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing religious terminology.
- רוטם Rotemנועם, אתה יודע מה זה שילוש?Noam, ata yodea ma ze shilush?Noam, do you know what the Trinity is?
- נועם Noamכן, זהו המבנה של האלוהות בנצרות.ken, ze-hu ha-mivne shel ha-elohut be-natzrut.Yes, it is the structure of the Godhead in Christianity.
- רוטם Rotemזה נשמע לי קצת מסובך.ze nishma li ktzat mesubach.That sounds a bit complicated to me.
- נועם Noamזה באמת נושא עמוק מאוד.ze be-emet nose amok me-od.It really is a very deep subject.
