### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8009}}` (Salmâh) is primarily employed in the biblical text as a proper noun, referring to an individual within the lineage of Judah. While its base definition in some lexicons may allude to "clothing" or "garment," this appears to be a reference to a related or cognate root (e.g., `{{H8007}}` or `{{H8008}}`, both transliterated as *śalmāh* or *śimlāh*, meaning 'garment' or 'cloak'). However, in its specific biblical occurrences, `{{H8009}}` functions exclusively as the name of a person. The name is often transliterated as "Salmah" or "Salmon," indicating a single individual. The etymological connection to "clothing" is not directly applied to the person's character or role in the biblical narrative, but rather points to a shared linguistic origin with words denoting covering or raiment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H8009}}` appears in several key genealogical passages, consistently identifying a significant figure in the ancestral line leading to King David and, ultimately, the Messiah.
* In [[1 Chronicles 2:11]], Salmah is identified as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz. This places him firmly within the tribe of Judah, a direct descendant of Judah through Perez and Hezron. Nahshon, his father, was a prince of Judah during the wilderness wanderings and a brother-in-law to Aaron.
* The same genealogical connection is found in the book of Ruth: "Nahshon begot Salmon, Salmon begot Boaz" [[Ruth 4:20-21]]. Here, the transliteration "Salmon" is used, reinforcing that `{{H8009}}` and `{{H8010}}` (Salmown, a variant spelling) refer to the same individual.
* Most notably, Salmon is mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Matthew's Gospel states, "Nahshon begot Salmon, Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab" [[Matthew 1:4-5]]. Luke's Gospel also includes him in its extended genealogy: "the son of Nahshon, the son of Salmon, the son of Boaz" (though the order is reversed as Luke traces backward) [[Luke 3:32]]. The mention of Rahab, a Gentile woman from Jericho, as Salmon's wife is particularly significant, highlighting the diverse origins within the Messianic lineage.
Across these occurrences, `{{H8009}}` consistently points to a crucial link in the Davidic and Messianic lineage, serving as the father of Boaz, who would later marry Ruth. His primary biblical role is that of an ancestor, a vital thread in the tapestry of salvation history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Hebrew words are `{{H8007}}` (śalmāh) and `{{H8008}}` (śimlāh), both of which signify "garment," "cloak," or "wrapper." While sharing a similar root and transliteration, these words are distinct in their usage from `{{H8009}}`, which is exclusively a proper noun. The connection is etymological rather than semantic in their biblical application.
Another closely related term is `{{H8010}}` (Salmown), which is essentially a variant spelling or an alternative transliteration of `{{H8009}}`, referring to the same individual. The interchangeability of "Salmah" and "Salmon" in English translations reflects this.
The broader context of `{{H8009}}` involves several key genealogical figures:
* **Nahshon** `{{H5177}}`: Salmon's father, a leader in the tribe of Judah.
* **Boaz** `{{H1162}}`: Salmon's son, a prominent figure in the book of Ruth, known for his integrity and kindness.
* **Rahab** `{{H7343}}`: Salmon's wife (as per [[Matthew 1:5]]), a Gentile woman whose faith in the God of Israel led to her inclusion in the Messianic line.
* **Ruth** `{{H7327}}`: Boaz's wife and Salmon's daughter-in-law, another Gentile woman foundational to the Davidic lineage.
* **David** `{{H1732}}`: Salmon's great-grandson, Israel's greatest king.
* **Jesse** `{{H3448}}`: David's father, Boaz's grandson.
These connections underscore Salmon's pivotal role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through a specific lineage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8009}}` (Salmah/Salmon) lies not in any specific action or teaching attributed to him, but in his indispensable position within the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. As an ancestor of both King David and Jesus Christ, Salmon serves as a silent yet crucial testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage through generations.
His inclusion in the genealogies highlights several theological truths:
1. **Divine Providence:** God meticulously oversees and guides the course of human history, ensuring that His promises regarding a deliverer are fulfilled through a specific, divinely ordained lineage. Salmon's existence and procreation were part of this sovereign plan.
2. **Continuity of Covenant:** Salmon's life bridges the gap between the Exodus generation (through Nahshon) and the era of the Judges (leading to Boaz and Ruth). He represents a link in the unbroken chain of God's covenant with Israel.
3. **Inclusivity of Grace:** The mention of Rahab, a Gentile prostitute from Jericho, as Salmon's wife in [[Matthew 1:5]] is profoundly significant. It foreshadows the universal scope of God's salvation, demonstrating that His redemptive plan extends beyond ethnic Israel to include Gentiles who, by faith, embrace Him. This inclusion in the Messianic line underscores the radical nature of divine grace and mercy.
4. **Humility of God's Plan:** Like many figures in the genealogies, Salmon is not given a detailed narrative. His significance is purely relational—he is a father in a crucial line. This reminds us that God often uses seemingly ordinary or obscure individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, magnifying His own power and faithfulness rather than human merit.
### Summary
`{{H8009}}` (Salmâh), transliterated as Salmah or Salmon, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating a key individual in the genealogy of Judah. Though its etymological root may connect to words for "clothing" (`{{H8007}}`, `{{H8008}}`), this meaning is not applied to the person. Salmon is consistently identified as the son of Nahshon (`{{H5177}}`) and the father of Boaz (`{{H1162}}`), making him a vital link in the Davidic and ultimately Messianic lineage. His appearance in [[1 Chronicles 2:11]], [[Ruth 4:20-21]], [[Matthew 1:4-5]], and [[Luke 3:32]] underscores his indispensable role in God's redemptive plan. Theologically, Salmon's significance lies in his being a silent yet essential testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the promised lineage, particularly highlighted by the inclusion of Rahab (`{{H7343}}`), a Gentile woman, as his wife, foreshadowing the universal scope of divine grace in the person of Jesus Christ.
TRV