III. שלוש, three. This word is formed from the two contracted roots לוש–של, as opposed in their significations as in the arrangement of their characters. By the first של, is understood every extraction or subtraction; by the second לוש, on the contrary, every amalgamation, every kneading together, if I may use this word. Thus the name of number three, presents therefore, in Hebrew, under a new form, the opposed ideas contained in one and two; that is, the extraction consequence of the division, becomes a kind of relative unity. This new unity is represented in a great many words under the idea of peace, welfare, perfection, eternal happiness, etc. (d’Olivet)