The Greek word Salmṓn, represented by G4533, is of Hebrew origin and identifies Salmon, an Israelite. It is a specific proper name that appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is exclusively to denote a particular individual within a lineage.
In the biblical narrative, G4533 functions solely within genealogical records to establish ancestral lines. The Gospel of Matthew states that Salmon was the son of Naasson and the father of Booz (Matthew 1:4, Matthew 1:5). The genealogy in Luke affirms this placement, listing Salmon as the son of Naasson and the father of Booz, who in turn was the father of Obed and grandfather of Jesse Luke 3:32. In both accounts, he serves as a critical generational link.
Several related words help to place G4533 within its genealogical context:
- G3476 Naassṓn (Naasson, an Israelite): He is identified as the father of Salmon (Matthew 1:4, Luke 3:32).
- G1080 gennáō (to procreate, beget, be born): This verb is used to describe the act of fathering that connects the generations, as in "Naasson begat Salmon" Matthew 1:4 and "Salmon begat Booz" Matthew 1:5.
- G1003 Boóz (Booz, an Israelite): He is consistently named as the son of Salmon (Matthew 1:5, Luke 3:32).
- G5601 Ōbḗd (Obed, an Israelite): The grandson of Salmon and son of Booz (Matthew 1:5, Luke 3:32).
- G2421 Iessaí (Jesse, an Israelite): The great-grandson of Salmon and father of David the king (Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:6).
- G284 Aminadáb (Aminadab, an Israelite): An ancestor of Salmon and the father of Naasson Matthew 1:4.
The significance of G4533 is entirely derived from its position within the biblical genealogies.
- Ancestry of David: Salmon is a key figure in the lineage of King David. The records show the line passes from Salmon to his son Booz, grandson Obed, and great-grandson Jesse, who was the father of David (Matthew 1:5, Matthew 1:6).
- Genealogical Integrity: The name appears in both the Matthean and Lukan genealogies, highlighting his role in maintaining the continuity of the ancestral record leading to Jesus (Matthew 1:5, Luke 3:32).
- Procreative Link: The use of the word gennáō G1080 in connection with Salmon solidifies his role in procreating the next generation in the lineage, a word also used to describe the birth of Jesus Matthew 2:1.
In summary, G4533 Salmṓn is a proper name whose importance is tied to its function as a genealogical marker. While no actions are ascribed to him, his presence in scripture is vital for documenting the ancestral line from Naasson to Booz. This placement establishes him as a forefather of King David and situates him within the lineage recorded in the Gospels.