שַׂלְמָא (sal.ma)
sal.ma
Salmon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Salmon identifies a pivotal figure in the lineage of Judah, bridging the era of the judges with the rise of the monarchy. As recorded in Ruth 4:20 and 1 Chronicles 2:51, he is the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz. His significance lies not in personal deeds but in his role as a link in the chain that leads to King David.
Scripture highlights his marriage to Rahab, the former resident of Jericho who had aided Israel’s spies. This union integrates a Gentile convert into the ancestral line of Israel’s greatest king, demonstrating how faith and inclusion shaped the tribe of Judah. The name itself carries the meaning "garment," though its primary function here is genealogical.
Salmon appears in only three verses, yet his presence underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises. He is listed as Sala in Luke 3:32, connecting the Old Testament narrative to the New Testament account of Jesus’ ancestry. This brief mention affirms the historical thread that binds the ancient patriarchs to the Messiah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Salmon appears in Scripture as a quiet link in a long chain of ancestors. He is listed as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz, connecting the era of the judges to the rise of King David. His story reminds us that God’s plan often works through ordinary generations, not just famous heroes.
Salmon’s marriage to Rahab, a former resident of Jericho, shows how faith crosses cultural boundaries. This union brought a Gentile convert into the lineage of Judah, highlighting that inclusion and trust in God have always been central to His people. The name itself means "garment," perhaps hinting at the covering or protection God provides through these faithful steps.
Though Salmon is mentioned only briefly, his presence underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises. From him came Boaz, then Jesse, and finally David, leading all the way to Jesus. This lineage invites us to trust that God is weaving our own lives into a larger, redemptive story, even when we feel like just one small thread in a vast tapestry.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Salma3×
- and/ Salma1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׂלְמָא֙1×
- שַׂלְמָ֗א1×
- שַׂלְמָ֔א1×
- וְ/שַׂלְמָ֖א1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:11
and Nahshon became the father of Salma, and Salma became the father of Boaz,
This verse establishes Salmon’s direct lineage from Nahshon to Boaz, anchoring his role as a crucial bridge between the tribal leaders of the wilderness and the royal line of David.
-
I Chronicles 2:51
Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth Gader.
Here Salmon is identified as the father of Bethlehem, linking his family’s geographic settlement to the future birthplace of King David and Jesus.
-
I Chronicles 2:54
The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites.
This list details the sons of Salmon, showing how his family branch expanded into specific communities like Netophah and Beth Joab, illustrating the growth of Judah’s tribe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Salmon in the Bible?
What does the name Salmon mean?
Why is Salmon important?
Is Salmon mentioned in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
I Chronicles 3 verses
and Nahshon became the father of Salma, and Salma became the father of Boaz,
I Chronicles 2:51Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth Gader.
I Chronicles 2:54The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites.