צַלְמוֹן (tsal.mon)
tsal.mon
(Mount) Zalmon; Zalmon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name tsalmon carries the meaning of "shadiness" or "shade," likely describing a location characterized by dense tree cover or cool relief from the sun. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears in two distinct contexts: as a geographic landmark and as a personal name. The place is identified as a wooded hill near Shechem, situated in the region of Samaria. Some scholars associate this site with Mount Ebal, noting its topographical features that would provide natural shelter.
As a proper noun for a person, tsalmon refers to an Ahohite who served as one of King David’s mighty warriors. He is recorded in the list of David’s heroes found in 2 Samuel 23:28. Interestingly, parallel accounts in 1 Chronicles 11:29 refer to this same individual by the name Ilai, suggesting a variation in how his name was transmitted or remembered across different textual traditions. This duality highlights the word's presence in both historical geography and military lineage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zalmon carries the gentle meaning of "shade" or "shadiness." In the ancient landscape, this likely described a wooded hill offering cool relief from the sun. This imagery reminds us that God provides rest and protection even in harsh environments. Just as trees offer shelter, His presence can be a refuge for our weary souls.
Scripture also records a warrior named Zalmon among King David’s mighty men. His inclusion highlights that strength and service are valued by God. Whether in the quiet shade of a hill or in the heat of battle, individuals are remembered for their faithfulness. This word connects us to both the peace of nature and the courage of those who stood firm.
When we face difficult seasons, we can look to these examples. The shade offers rest; the warrior offers strength. We do not need to have all the answers about ancient geography or history to find comfort. God’s care is present in both stillness and action, inviting us to trust Him in every circumstance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zalmon2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַלְמוֹן֙1×
- צַלְמ֗וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 9:48
Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him; and Abimelech took an ax in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it up, and laid it on his shoulder. Then he said to the people who were with him, “What you have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done!”
This verse locates Zalmon as a wooded hill where Abimelech gathered his forces, illustrating the name's connection to a shaded, tree-covered landmark.
-
II Samuel 23:28
Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,
Here Zalmon is listed as one of David’s mighty warriors, showing how the name identifies a faithful servant in Israel’s military history.