שְׁלִישִׁי

From the study of Zechariah 13:9

Range of meaning

Feminine ordinal 'third', used as a noun for 'a third part' or 'one-third'. Used in Ezekiel 5:2, 12 for dividing Jerusalem's population (hair) into thirds.

Against the English

BSB 'This third' brings out the link back to verse 8 well. KJV 'the third part' is clear.

Used elsewhere in the period

Ezekiel 5:1–12 divides the people into thirds: one burned, one struck by the sword, one scattered, with a small remnant bound in the prophet's hem and even some of that thrown into the fire. Zechariah reshapes this: two-thirds cut off, one-third refined.

From the study of Exodus 19:11

Range of meaning

The ordinal 'third'. In time phrases the first day is counted, so 'the third day' after 'today and tomorrow' means the day after tomorrow.

Against the English

English is accurate, but readers sometimes picture 'three days later'. The Hebrew counts inclusively.

Used elsewhere in the period

Abraham sees Moriah 'on the third day' (Gen 22:4). Joseph releases his brothers 'on the third day' (Gen 42:18). Israel crosses the Jordan after a three-day preparation (Josh 1:11; 3:2–5, which also includes consecration). Hosea 6:2 says 'on the third day he will raise us up.' Esther goes in to the king 'on the third day' (Esth 5:1). Moses had asked Pharaoh to let Israel go 'a three days' journey into the wilderness' to worship (Exod 3:18; 5:3).

From the study of Genesis 1:13

Range of meaning

Ordinal 'third'. It is used for days, years, generations and parts of things ('a third part').

Against the English

KJV, BSB and (in wording) ESV and NIV say 'the third day'. WEB and NASB say 'a third day'. YLT says 'day third'. The Hebrew has no article on days two to five. Many scholars take this as a deliberate build-up toward 'the sixth day' and 'the seventh day', which do carry the article (1:31; 2:2–3). Others count it as ordinary Hebrew counting style.

Used elsewhere in the period

'On the third day' is a recurring narrative turning point in the Hebrew Bible: Gen 22:4; 42:18; Exod 19:11, 16; Hos 6:2; Esth 5:1. Those passages use the phrase with the article and a preposition (bayyom hashelishi), unlike the bare 'yom shelishi' of this refrain.