שַׁלּוּן (shal.lun)
shal.lun
Shallum
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shal.lun, translated as "retribution," appears only once in Scripture, identifying a specific individual in Nehemiah 3:15. He is recorded as the son of Col-hozeh and served as the ruler of a district near Mizpah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. This single mention places him among the many leaders who contributed to restoring the city’s defenses after the exile.
The meaning of the name reflects a theological theme common in Hebrew personal names, where divine justice or action is embedded in identity. While the text does not elaborate on his personal character or deeds beyond his administrative role, the name itself serves as a reminder of God's sovereign judgment and restoration. His inclusion in the list highlights the collective effort required to rebuild, with each leader representing their community’s participation in this historic task.
Though Shal.lun is not a major biblical figure, his presence underscores the importance of ordinary individuals in God’s larger narrative. The name “retribution” may also hint at the broader context of Judah’s history, where divine justice played a central role in both judgment and hope. By recording his name, Scripture preserves the memory of those who worked to restore their city, linking their efforts to the enduring promise of God’s faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shallun means 'retribution' or 'payment,' yet in Nehemiah 3:15 it identifies a man actively restoring a broken gate. This contrast shows that God’s justice is not only about punishment but also about making things right. When we see leaders like Shallun repairing the walls, we are reminded that restoration is a key part of how God works in our lives and communities.
His work on the spring gate and the wall near the king’s garden highlights the importance of ordinary people doing their part. We often feel small in the face of large problems, but Scripture shows that every contribution matters to God. By recording his name, the Bible affirms that faithful service in daily tasks is a way to participate in God's larger plan for renewal and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shallun1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁלּ֣וּן1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:15
Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the spring gate. He built it, covered it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars; and he repaired the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king’s garden, even to the stairs that go down from David’s city.
This verse links the name meaning 'retribution' to the physical act of rebuilding a gate, showing that divine justice involves restoring what was broken.