### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Σαλαθιήλ (Salathiḗl), Strong's `{{G4528}}`, is a transliteration of the Hebrew name שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel), Strong's `{{H7597}}`. Its etymological roots derive from the Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (*sha'al*), Strong's `{{H7592}}`, meaning "to ask, inquire, beg," and the divine name אֵל (*’el*), Strong's `{{H410}}`, meaning "God." Thus, the name fundamentally signifies "I have asked of God" or "I have asked God." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to the individual it identifies, yet its inherent meaning carries profound theological resonance, suggesting a child born in response to prayer or as a divine answer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Salathiel appears exclusively in the New Testament within the genealogies of Jesus Christ, connecting Him to the royal line of David.
1. **[[Matthew 1:12]]**: In Matthew's genealogy, Salathiel is presented as the son of Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah), the king exiled to Babylon. This places Salathiel as a pivotal figure bridging the period of the Babylonian captivity and the subsequent return, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic royal lineage through the legal line of Joseph. Matthew's emphasis is on the royal succession and the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
2. **[[Luke 3:27]]**: Luke's genealogy also lists Salathiel, but here he is identified as the son of Neri. This apparent discrepancy has been a subject of scholarly discussion, often understood as Matthew tracing the legal lineage through Joseph and Luke tracing a different ancestral line, possibly Mary's or a different legal succession. Regardless of the precise genealogical reconciliation, Salathiel's inclusion in both accounts underscores his critical role as an ancestor of Jesus, establishing His rightful claim to the Davidic throne and His connection to the historical narrative of Israel. His presence in both genealogies highlights the divine orchestration of history to preserve the messianic line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel), Strong's `{{H7597}}`. This connection is vital for understanding the name's full significance. Concepts intrinsically linked to Salathiel include:
* **Genealogy**: The meticulous tracing of lineage, crucial in Jewish tradition for establishing identity, inheritance, and especially messianic claims.
* **Davidic Covenant**: Salathiel's position in the royal line confirms God's faithfulness to His promise to David regarding an everlasting kingdom and a perpetual successor ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]).
* **Babylonian Exile and Return**: Salathiel serves as a historical bridge, symbolizing the preservation of God's promises even amidst national judgment and dispersion.
* **Messianic Expectation**: His existence as an ancestor points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah's Davidic descent.
* **Divine Providence**: The overarching theme of God's sovereign hand guiding human history to achieve His redemptive purposes.
* **Prayer and Divine Response**: The etymological meaning "I have asked of God" resonates with a deep sense of dependence on the Almighty and the belief in God's responsiveness to the prayers of His people, particularly during times of distress or longing for deliverance.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Salathiel in the genealogies of Jesus carries profound theological weight. Firstly, his very name, "I have asked of God," can be seen as a testament to God's faithfulness in answering the prayers and hopes of His people, particularly regarding the long-awaited Messiah. Born during or shortly after the traumatic Babylonian exile, his name may reflect the fervent prayers of his parents for a child to continue the lineage, or perhaps the collective prayer of Israel for the restoration of their nation and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Secondly, Salathiel represents the unbroken continuity of God's covenant with David. Despite the apparent collapse of the Davidic monarchy and the exile to Babylon, God supernaturally preserved a remnant through whom the royal line would continue. Salathiel is a living testament to God's unwavering commitment to His word, demonstrating that even in periods of national chastisement and despair, His divine plan remains on course.
Finally, Salathiel's presence underscores the genuine humanity of Christ and His deep roots within the historical narrative of Israel. Jesus is not merely a divine figure but one fully integrated into human history, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and embodying the hopes and prayers of generations. Through individuals like Salathiel, the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan is woven, revealing His sovereign hand working through human generations to bring forth the Savior of the world.
### Summary
Σαλαθιήλ (Salathiḗl), Strong's `{{G4528}}`, a transliteration of the Hebrew שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel), means "I have asked of God." He is a crucial figure in both Matthew's [[Matthew 1:12]] and Luke's [[Luke 3:27]] genealogies of Jesus, serving as a vital link in the Davidic royal line, particularly bridging the period of the Babylonian exile. His name itself suggests divine responsiveness to prayer, perhaps reflecting the hope for continuity amidst national crisis. Theologically, Salathiel symbolizes God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the messianic lineage despite adversity, underscoring the continuity of the Davidic Covenant and God's sovereign orchestration of history for the advent of Christ. He stands as a testament to God's providential care in bringing forth the promised Messiah through a specific, divinely preserved human ancestry.
TRV