### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Σολομών (Solomōn), transliterated as Solomōn, is a proper noun of direct Hebrew origin. It derives from the Hebrew name שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh), Strong's `{{H8010}}`. The root of this name is `{{H7965}}` (shalom), meaning "peace, completeness, prosperity, welfare." Thus, the name Solomon inherently carries the connotation of "peaceful" or "his peace." In the New Testament, it exclusively refers to the renowned son of King David, the third king of united Israel, known for building the First Temple in Jerusalem. Its semantic range is limited to this specific historical individual and the concepts directly associated with his person and reign.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Solomon appears numerous times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, always referring to the historical king.
In the genealogies of Jesus, Solomon is explicitly named as the son of David and an ancestor of Christ, affirming his crucial role in the messianic lineage ([[Matthew 1:6-7]], [[Luke 3:31]]). This highlights God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant and the continuity of His redemptive plan.
Jesus Himself references Solomon in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He contrasts the ephemeral glory of Solomon, even in all his splendor, with the surpassing beauty of God's creation and the greater care God provides for His people ([[Matthew 6:29]]). This serves to underscore the futility of worldly anxiety and the superiority of divine provision. Similarly, Jesus uses Solomon as a point of comparison when speaking of the Queen of the South (Queen of Sheba), noting that she came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon's wisdom, but "something greater than Solomon is here" in Jesus ([[Matthew 12:42]], [[Luke 11:31]]). This emphasizes Jesus' unparalleled wisdom and authority, surpassing even that of the most celebrated king.
In the book of Acts, Solomon is mentioned in connection with the Temple. Peter preaches at "Solomon's Portico" (or "Solomon's Colonnade"), a prominent feature of the Temple complex, which served as a gathering place for early believers ([[Acts 3:11]], [[Acts 5:12]]). This location becomes significant as a site for apostolic teaching and miracles. Stephen, in his defense before the Sanhedrin, recounts Israel's history, noting that "Solomon built a house for him [God]" ([[Acts 7:47]]), referring to the First Temple. This acknowledges Solomon's pivotal role in establishing a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, though Stephen immediately pivots to emphasize that "the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands" ([[Acts 7:48]]), anticipating the spiritual nature of God's true dwelling.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Σολομών is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew root, `{{H8010}}` (Shelomoh), derived from `{{H7965}}` (shalom), emphasizing peace. This concept of peace is central to his reign, which was largely devoid of major wars, fulfilling the meaning of his name.
Key concepts and figures related to Solomon include:
* **David:** His father and predecessor, from whom Solomon inherited the kingdom and the divine promise of an enduring dynasty. The Davidic Covenant (`{{H1732}}`) finds a significant, though imperfect, fulfillment in Solomon's reign.
* **Temple:** Solomon's most enduring legacy, the `{{H1004}}` (bayith) or "house" built for Yahweh in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and divine presence.
* **Wisdom:** A defining characteristic of Solomon, granted by God in response to his humble request (`{{H2451}}`). His wisdom was renowned, attracting visitors from distant lands.
* **Glory and Wealth:** Solomon's reign was marked by unprecedented prosperity and international prestige, reflecting God's blessing.
* **Queen of Sheba:** A notable figure who came to test Solomon's wisdom and witness his glory.
* **Idolatry and Apostasy:** Despite his wisdom and blessings, Solomon tragically fell into idolatry in his later years due to his many foreign wives, leading to the division of the kingdom after his death. This serves as a stark warning against compromise and syncretism.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** Solomon's reign, characterized by peace, wisdom, and the building of God's house, serves as a type or foreshadowing of the coming Messiah's kingdom. The true "greater Solomon" is Christ, whose wisdom, peace, and spiritual Temple far surpass the earthly realities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Solomon in the New Testament is multifaceted.
Firstly, Solomon functions as a significant figure in the **Davidic lineage**, affirming the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises that the Messiah would come from the house of David. His inclusion in the genealogies underscores the historical continuity of God's plan of salvation culminating in Jesus Christ.
Secondly, Solomon's reign, particularly his wisdom and the building of the Temple, serves as a powerful **type of Christ**. Solomon's name, meaning "peace," foreshadows Jesus, the "Prince of Peace" ([[Isaiah 9:6]]). His divinely granted wisdom, which drew people from afar, pales in comparison to Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([[Colossians 2:3]]). The Temple built by Solomon, the dwelling place of God, prefigures Christ as the true Temple ([[John 2:19-21]]) and the Church as the spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit ([[Ephesians 2:21-22]]). Jesus' statements about "something greater than Solomon" directly elevate His own person and ministry above even the most glorious aspects of Solomon's reign.
Thirdly, Solomon's story provides a **cautionary tale** regarding the dangers of compromise and spiritual declension. Despite his unparalleled wisdom and blessings, his eventual fall into idolatry due to foreign wives serves as a stark reminder that even the most favored can be led astray by worldly enticements and disobedience to God's commands. This emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and devotion.
Finally, the mention of Solomon's Portico in Acts highlights the **continuity of sacred space** and the repurposing of Jewish institutions for the new covenant. This physical location, associated with the Old Covenant, becomes a setting for the proclamation of the Gospel and the gathering of the early Church, symbolizing the expansion of God's redemptive work.
### Summary
Σολομών (Solomōn) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Shelomoh, meaning "peaceful." It refers exclusively to Solomon, the son of David and third king of Israel, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, he appears in the genealogies of Jesus, affirming his role in the messianic line. Jesus references Solomon to highlight His own surpassing wisdom and glory, declaring Himself "greater than Solomon." The Temple built by Solomon is also referenced, pointing to God's dwelling among His people. Theologically, Solomon serves as an important type of Christ, foreshadowing the Messiah's reign of peace, ultimate wisdom, and the building of the true spiritual Temple. However, his life also provides a solemn warning against the dangers of compromise and apostasy, underscoring the need for perfect obedience found only in Christ.
TRV