שְׁלֹמֹה (she.lo.moh)
she.lo.moh
Solomon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 235 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shelomoh, transliterated as Solomon, derives from the Hebrew root for peace, meaning "peaceable" or "one of peace." He was the son of David and Bathsheba, becoming the third king of Israel after a succession struggle that followed David’s death. The sources note he was also known by the name Jedidiah, given to him by the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:25.
Solomon is most frequently mentioned in the historical books of Kings and Chronicles, where his reign is characterized by immense wealth, extensive building projects, and diplomatic alliances. His reputation for wisdom is central to his biblical portrait, highlighted when he requests understanding rather than long life or riches in 1 Kings 3:9. This divine gift enabled him to govern with discernment, as seen in the famous judgment involving two mothers claiming the same child.
Tradition attributes several biblical books to him, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. These writings reflect his intellectual depth and poetic skill, offering insights into wisdom literature and love poetry. The name itself serves as a thematic anchor for his era, contrasting the peace he sought with the political turbulence that eventually marked the end of his reign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Solomon carries the gentle weight of its root meaning: peace. In a narrative often defined by political intrigue and succession struggles, this name stands as a quiet promise of stability. It reminds us that true leadership is not merely about power or wealth, but about establishing order and harmony in the lives of those we serve.
When we look at Solomon’s life, we see both the heights of divine wisdom and the complexities of human frailty. His story invites us to consider how we seek guidance in our own decisions. Whether in times of great opportunity or personal uncertainty, the desire for peace and discernment remains a central hope for every believer.
Ultimately, Solomon’s legacy points beyond himself to the need for wisdom that endures. We are encouraged to look toward the one who perfectly embodies this peace, finding rest not in our own achievements but in the steadfast love of God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 235 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Solomon218×
- to/ Solomon18×
- and/ Solomon5×
- <to>/ Solomon3×
- of/ Solomon2×
- and/ <to>/ Solomon2×
- [belonged] to/ Solomon2×
- O Solomon2×
- with/ Solomon1×
- which/ [belongs] to/ Solomon1×
- from/ Solomon1×
- for/ Solomon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה38×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה34×
- שְׁלֹמֹה֙24×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה21×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה16×
- שְׁלֹמֹֽה\׃15×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה15×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה14×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֛ה10×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה9×
- שְׁלֹמֹ֤ה7×
- לִ/שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה5×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 1:39
Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the Tent, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet; and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!”
This verse marks the pivotal moment where Zadok anoints Solomon, publicly confirming his divine right to rule amidst intense family conflict.
-
II Samuel 12:24
David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her, and lay with her. She bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Yahweh loved him;
Here the narrative highlights that despite previous losses, Yahweh loved this new son, giving him the name Solomon as a sign of favor and restoration.
-
I Kings 1:30
most certainly as I swore to you by Yahweh, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place;’ I will most certainly do this today.”
David reaffirms his oath to Bathsheba, demonstrating how personal integrity and covenant faithfulness secure Solomon’s future against political opposition.
-
I Kings 2:12
Solomon sat on David his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.
The statement that his kingdom was firmly established shows the successful transition of power from David to Solomon, fulfilling the prophetic promises made earlier.