שִׁלּוּחִים
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| Part of Speech | Noun |
|---|---|
| Occurrences | 3 |
| Possible Meanings |
|
| Related Words | שלח |
Possible Meanings
שלוחים appears in only three places and exegetes disagree as to its precise meaning.1
- In Melakhim I 9:16 it describes a gift given as a dowry.2
- In Mikhah 1:14 it describes a tribute.3
- In Shemot 18:2, exegetes differ regarding whether it means a gift or dowry (like the two other cases of the noun) or a sending (either a divorce or a sending – see above regarding the verb) and over the meaning of the verse – see אחר שלוחיה.
1. Gift, tribute
- This is the position adopted by many Andalusian exegetes – R. Yonah ibn Janach, Ibn Ezra.
2. Dowry
- This is the position adopted by many Northern French exegetes – Rashi, Rashbam, R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, R. Eliezer of Beaugency.
Factors influencing the opinions:
- Textual – The usage in Melakhim I 9:16 appears to support the definition of dowry, but the verse in Mikhah 1:14 seems to support a more generalized meaning of gift.
- Societal – Dowries (including land dowries) were a common practice in Biblical times and medieval Christian Europe. However, Islamic society does not have dowries (the husband bears full financial responsibility).4
There are a number of possibilities regarding the relationship of the noun שלוחים to the verb שלח:
- שלוחים is a parting gift given when sending a daughter away – Northern French exegetes – R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, R. Eliezer of Beaugency.
- שלוחים is any gift which is sent to another – perhaps Ibn Ezra.
- There is no connection between the noun and verb.