or סַלּוּא; or סָלוּא; or סַלַּי; from סָלָה; weighed; Sallu or Sallai, the name of two Israelites; Sallai, Sallu, Salu.
Transliteration:Çallûw
Pronunciation:sal-loo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5543}}` (סַלּוּ, *Çallûw*) is primarily a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology traces back to the verbal root `{{H5541}}` (סָלָה, *saláh*), which carries the core meaning of "to weigh," "to lift up," or "to cast up." Thus, `{{H5543}}` signifies "weighed" or "lifted up." As a proper name, it would have conveyed a sense of evaluation, importance, or perhaps one who was "esteemed" or "valued." The variants in transliteration (Sallu, Sallai, Salu) reflect the same underlying Hebrew lemma and its derived meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5543}}` appears in the Old Testament primarily in the post-exilic books, designating two individuals, both associated with the tribe of Benjamin or a priestly lineage, in the context of the re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem.
1. **Sallu, son of Meshullam:**
* [[1 Chronicles 9:7]]: "And these are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah." Here, Sallu is listed as a prominent Benjamite living in Jerusalem after the return from exile, part of a genealogical record detailing the inhabitants of the city.
* [[Nehemiah 11:7]]: "And these are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah." This passage parallels [[1 Chronicles 9:7]], listing Sallu as a Benjamite head of a family residing in Jerusalem. While the immediate lineage differs slightly, it likely refers to the same family line, emphasizing their role in the resettled capital.
2. **Sallai (or Sallu), listed with Gabbai:**
* [[Nehemiah 11:8]]: "And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred and twenty-eight." This verse mentions "Sallai" among the Benjamites, possibly a different individual or a variant spelling/pronunciation of the name for another person within the tribe. The context is again a census of those dwelling in Jerusalem.
The occurrences are exclusively within genealogical and census lists, highlighting the importance of lineage and tribal identity in the post-exilic period. These individuals were part of the remnant chosen by God to rebuild the nation and its spiritual center.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for `{{H5543}}` is its verbal root, `{{H5541}}` (סָלָה, *saláh*), meaning "to weigh," "to lift up," or "to cast up." This root is distinct from other Hebrew words for "weighing" (e.g., `{{H8254}}` שָׁקַל, *shaqal*, "to weigh out money or goods"). `{{H5541}}` can imply a process of evaluation or selection.
Concepts related to "weighing" in a biblical context often include:
* **Judgment and Justice:** God "weighs" the hearts and actions of humanity ([[1 Samuel 2:3]], [[Proverbs 16:2]]).
* **Value and Worth:** Something "weighed" is assessed for its importance or significance.
* **Divine Selection:** Being "lifted up" or "chosen" by God.
While `{{H5543}}` is a proper name and not a verb, its etymological root imbues it with these conceptual resonances. It stands alongside other Hebrew names that reflect a characteristic, a hope, or a divine attribute.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, the theological significance of `{{H5543}}` primarily resides in the meaning of the name and the historical context of the individuals who bore it. The name "Sallu" or "Sallai," meaning "weighed," carries several layers of potential theological meaning:
1. **Divine Evaluation:** The name might suggest a person "weighed" in the balances of God's justice or assessment, and found to be true or worthy. In the context of the return from exile, these individuals were part of the faithful remnant, those whom God had preserved and called to rebuild His city and temple. Their very presence in these lists signifies their importance in God's redemptive plan.
2. **Esteem and Value:** It could imply that the individual was highly esteemed or valued within their community, perhaps for their faithfulness, leadership, or contribution to the rebuilding effort. To be "weighed" and found valuable is a positive affirmation.
3. **Continuity of Covenant:** The inclusion of names like Sallu in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles and Nehemiah underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. These were not just random individuals, but members of specific tribes, fulfilling the prophetic promise of return and restoration. Their names, with their inherent meanings, contribute to the tapestry of God's ongoing work with His people.
### Summary
`{{H5543}}` (סַלּוּ, *Çallûw*), transliterated as Sallu or Sallai, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the verb `{{H5541}}` meaning "to weigh" or "to lift up." It signifies "weighed" or "esteemed." This name appears in the post-exilic genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 9:7]] and [[Nehemiah 11:7-8]], identifying individuals from the tribe of Benjamin who resided in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity. The theological significance of the name lies in its potential to reflect divine evaluation, indicating individuals found worthy or valued by God, and emphasizing their crucial role in the continuity of the covenant and the restoration of the community in Jerusalem.
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