### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שַׂלְמָא (Salmâʼ), Strong's H8007, functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a male individual within the genealogies of ancient Israel. Its base definition indicates that it is "probably for שַׂלְמָה," which is H8008. The root word שַׂלְמָה (salmah) means "garment," "clothing," or "mantle." Therefore, while H8007 itself is a name, its etymological connection imbues it with the semantic resonance of "clothing" or "covering." This underlying meaning suggests concepts such as protection, identity, status, or even an outward manifestation of an inner reality, as clothing often symbolizes these aspects in biblical thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Salma (H8007) appears exclusively in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Judah.
* In [[1 Chronicles 2:11]], Salma is identified as the father of Boaz, a pivotal figure in the lineage leading to King David and, subsequently, to the Messiah. This verse places Salma as a descendant of Judah through Nahshon. The context here is purely genealogical, tracing the Davidic line.
* [[1 Chronicles 2:51]] states, "Salma the father of Bethlehem." This is a profoundly significant detail, linking Salma directly to the foundational history of Bethlehem-Judah, the very town that would become renowned as the birthplace of David and, centuries later, of the Lord Jesus Christ. This connection suggests Salma's importance not merely as an individual but as a progenitor associated with a place of immense redemptive-historical weight.
* [[1 Chronicles 2:54]] further elaborates on the descendants of Salma, mentioning "the sons of Salma: the Netophathites," who were inhabitants of Netophah, a town near Bethlehem. This reinforces Salma's ancestral connection to the region of Bethlehem and the communities that resided there.
Across these occurrences, Salma is consistently presented as a key ancestor within the tribe of Judah, specifically highlighted for his role in the lineage that produced Boaz and for his foundational connection to the town of Bethlehem.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H8007 is its etymological root:
* **`{{H8008}}` (שַׂלְמָה / salmah):** This noun means "garment," "clothing," "wrapper," or "mantle." It appears throughout the Old Testament to denote various types of coverings, from everyday attire to specific garments used for religious or symbolic purposes.
Beyond the direct linguistic link, the concept of "clothing" in biblical theology is rich with meaning:
* **Covering and Protection:** Clothing provides physical covering and protection from the elements, symbolizing divine protection and provision (e.g., God clothing Adam and Eve, [[Genesis 3:21]]).
* **Identity and Status:** Garments often signify one's identity, status, or calling (e.g., priestly garments, royal robes, specific attire for mourning or celebration).
* **Righteousness and Salvation:** In prophetic literature, clothing can symbolize spiritual states, particularly righteousness or salvation (e.g., "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" in [[Isaiah 61:10]]).
* **Humility and Incarnation:** The idea of "putting on" or "being clothed" can also relate to humility or, in a profound theological sense, to the Incarnation, where God "clothed" Himself in human flesh.
The proper noun Salma also connects to broader biblical themes of:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The meticulous tracing of family lines, especially the messianic line, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
* **Place and Prophecy:** The significance of specific geographical locations, like Bethlehem, in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Salma (H8007) is primarily derived from his position within the messianic lineage and the etymological meaning of his name. As the "father of Bethlehem" and an ancestor of Boaz, Salma is a quiet but crucial link in the chain that leads to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ.
The name's root, "garment" or "clothing" (`{{H8008}}`), offers subtle yet profound theological echoes:
* **Divine Provision and Covering:** Just as clothing provides essential covering and protection, Salma's name, embedded in the lineage of the Messiah, might subtly point to God's providential care and covering over His chosen line. This foreshadows the ultimate spiritual covering and protection provided by Christ.
* **Righteousness and Identity in Christ:** The biblical motif of garments representing righteousness finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who provides the "robe of righteousness" for His people ([[Isaiah 61:10]]). Salma's name, therefore, stands as a quiet precursor in a lineage destined to bring forth the one who would clothe humanity in divine righteousness.
* **The Incarnation and Humility:** The concept of "clothing" can also evoke the profound humility of the Incarnation, where the Son of God "clothed" Himself in human flesh, taking on the "garment" of humanity to redeem it. Salma's connection to Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Incarnate Word, adds a layer of symbolic depth to this interpretation.
* **Foundation of the "House of Bread":** Salma's designation as "the father of Bethlehem" (literally, "House of Bread") links the idea of "clothing" with the place where the "Bread of Life" (Jesus Christ) would be born. This suggests a divine weaving of physical location and symbolic meaning, where the provision of spiritual nourishment and covering are intricately connected.
### Summary
Salma (H8007, שַׂלְמָא) is a proper noun identifying an ancestor in the tribe of Judah, prominently featured in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. His significance is twofold: he is the father of Boaz, thus a direct ancestor in the Davidic and ultimately messianic lineage, and he is explicitly named as "the father of Bethlehem," the pivotal birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. Etymologically, H8007 is derived from `{{H8008}}` (שַׂלְמָה), meaning "garment" or "clothing." This underlying semantic connection enriches Salma's biblical presence, subtly linking his name to profound theological concepts such as divine provision, protective covering, the spiritual garments of righteousness provided by God, and even the humility of the Incarnation. Though a name appearing in ancient genealogies, Salma's quiet position within the sacred record, coupled with the resonance of his name, serves as a testament to God's meticulous and purposeful unfolding of His redemptive plan, culminating in the Christ who emerged from this very lineage and place.
TRV