of Hebrew origin (שַׂלְמוֹן); Salmon, an Israelite:--Salmon.
Transliteration:Salmṓn
Pronunciation:sal-mone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G4533}}` Salmṓn is a transliteration of the Hebrew name `{{H8007}}` Salmown (שַׂלְמוֹן). As a proper noun, its primary semantic range is limited to identifying the specific individual in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew root שׂלם (shalem), from which the name is derived, often conveys concepts of "peace," "completeness," or "recompense." While the etymology of proper names can sometimes offer insight into their intended meaning or a characteristic of the bearer, for "Salmon," the name primarily functions as a genealogical marker, denoting an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Its meaning is thus predominantly referential rather than conceptual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Salmon appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogies of Jesus Christ presented by Matthew and Luke.
* In [[Matthew 1:4]] and [[Matthew 1:5]], Salmon is identified as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz. Crucially, [[Matthew 1:5]] states, "Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab." This detail is profoundly significant, as Rahab was a Canaanite woman, a harlot from Jericho, who famously aided the Israelite spies ([[Joshua 2:1-21]]). Her inclusion in the Messianic line through her marriage to Salmon is a striking testament to God's redemptive grace.
* [[Luke 3:32]] also lists Salmon in the ancestry of Jesus, though Luke's genealogy traces backward from Jesus to Adam. Here, Salmon is placed between Nahshon and Boaz, consistent with Matthew's account.
The contextual analysis reveals Salmon's role primarily as a vital link in the genealogical chain leading to David and, ultimately, to Jesus the Messiah. His marriage to Rahab is the most significant aspect of his biblical mention, highlighting divine providence in the selection of ancestors, irrespective of their past or origin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G4533}}` Salmṓn naturally connects to several key biblical words and theological concepts:
* **Rahab:** `{{G4460}}` Rhachab. Salmon's wife, a gentile woman known for her faith and inclusion in God's covenant people. Her story is recounted in [[Joshua 2]] and her faith commended in [[Hebrews 11:31]] and [[James 2:25]].
* **Boaz:** `{{G994}}` Booz. Salmon's son by Rahab, who later married Ruth, another gentile woman, continuing the theme of gentile inclusion in the Messianic line.
* **Genealogy:** The broader concept of biblical genealogies (e.g., `{{G1074}}` genealogia), which serve to establish lineage, demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy, and underscore God's faithfulness across generations.
* **Messianic Lineage:** The specific ancestral line leading to Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's meticulous preservation of the promised seed ([[Genesis 3:15]]).
* **Gentile Inclusion:** The presence of Rahab, a Canaanite, in the lineage of Christ, prefigures the New Covenant's embrace of all nations into God's family, transcending ethnic and social barriers.
### Theological Significance
Salmon's place in the biblical narrative, though brief, carries profound theological weight, primarily due to his marriage to Rahab and his role in the Messianic lineage.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** Salmon's union with Rahab underscores God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the precise lineage of the Messiah. It demonstrates that God's plan is not thwarted by human circumstances, social stigmas, or even past sin. He works through imperfect individuals to achieve His perfect will.
* **Grace and Redemption:** The inclusion of Rahab, a former harlot and a gentile, into the sacred lineage through Salmon is a powerful testament to God's boundless grace and redemptive power. It highlights that salvation is by grace through faith, available to all who believe, regardless of their background ([[Ephesians 2:8-9]]). This foreshadows the universal scope of the gospel.
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** Salmon's position in the genealogies affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those related to the seed of Abraham and David, which culminate in Christ ([[Galatians 3:16]]). His life, however obscure, contributes to the grand narrative of salvation history.
* **Inclusion of Outsiders:** The presence of Rahab, a non-Israelite, through Salmon's marriage, powerfully illustrates God's intention to include Gentiles in His covenant people. This theme is central to the New Testament's message of a unified body of believers, Jew and Gentile alike ([[Ephesians 2:11-22]]).
### Summary
`{{G4533}}` Salmṓn is a pivotal figure in the biblical genealogies of Jesus Christ, appearing in both Matthew and Luke. As the son of Nahshon and father of Boaz, his most significant contribution to salvation history is his marriage to Rahab, the Canaanite woman from Jericho. This union profoundly illustrates God's sovereign providence, His redemptive grace, and His plan for the inclusion of Gentiles within the lineage of the Messiah. Salmon's presence, though brief, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the promised line and His willingness to work through unexpected individuals to accomplish His divine purposes, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
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