### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun שַׂלְמוֹן (Salmôwn, `{{H8012}}`) is derived from the root שַׂלְמָה (salmah, `{{H8071}}`), which denotes a "garment," "cloak," or "mantle." The base definition provided for Salmôwn, "investiture," directly reflects this connection to clothing, suggesting the act of formally adorning or covering. While the name itself refers to an individual, its etymological root evokes concepts of covering, protection, or perhaps even dignity associated with being "clothed" or "invested" with something. As a personal name, its meaning likely carries these connotations, though its primary function in the biblical text is to identify a specific figure in a crucial lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שַׂלְמוֹן (Salmôwn, `{{H8012}}`) consistently refers to one individual in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament genealogies. His appearances are exclusively within genealogical lists, highlighting his role as a vital link in the lineage leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ.
1. **[[Ruth 4:20]] and [[Ruth 4:21]]**: Salmon is identified as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz. This places him squarely within the tribal line of Judah, specifically connecting the generation of the wilderness wanderings (Nahshon was a prince of Judah during the Exodus, [[Numbers 1:7]]) to the period of the Judges (Boaz lived in the time of Ruth).
2. **[[1 Chronicles 2:11]]**: In the extensive genealogies of Chronicles, Salmon is again listed as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz, reinforcing his fixed position in the Davidic line.
3. **[[Matthew 1:4]]**: The Gospel of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus explicitly states, "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab." This detail is profoundly significant. Rahab, a Canaanite woman and former prostitute from Jericho, is brought into the direct lineage of the Messiah. This highlights God's redemptive work across ethnic and social boundaries.
4. **[[Luke 3:32]]**: Luke's genealogy of Jesus also includes Salmon, though without the mention of Rahab. He is listed as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz, affirming his established place in the messianic ancestry.
In all contexts, Salmon's significance is not derived from his personal actions or narratives, but from his pivotal role as a genealogical link, particularly in the line through which God's covenant promises would be fulfilled. The mention of Rahab in Matthew's account adds a layer of theological depth, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's salvation plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is שַׂלְמָה (salmah, `{{H8071}}`), meaning "garment" or "cloak," from which Salmôwn's name is derived. This etymological connection provides insight into the potential meaning of the name itself. Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy (יוּחַס - yuchas, `{{H3187}}`):** The concept of tracing ancestral lines, which is the sole context for Salmon's appearances. His inclusion underscores the importance of lineage in biblical theology, especially concerning covenant promises.
* **Messianic Lineage:** Salmon is a critical link in the chain of descent from Abraham to David to Jesus, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a specific family line for the coming of the Messiah.
* **Rahab:** Salmon's wife, as recorded in Matthew, is a key figure whose faith and inclusion in the messianic line illustrate God's grace and the breaking down of ethnic barriers. Her story is found in [[Joshua 2:1-21]] and [[Joshua 6:22-25]].
* **Boaz (בֹּעַז - Bo'az, `{{H1162}}`):** Salmon's son, a righteous and kinsman-redeemer figure in the Book of Ruth, who marries Ruth and becomes the grandfather of David.
* **Nahshon (נַחְשׁוֹן - Nachshôn, `{{H5177}}`):** Salmon's father, a prominent leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, further cementing Salmon's place in a distinguished lineage.
### Theological Significance
Salmon's theological significance is profound, despite his limited narrative presence.
1. **Divine Providence in Lineage:** Salmon serves as a testament to God's meticulous and sovereign plan in preserving a specific lineage through which the Messiah would come. His inclusion in both Old Testament genealogies and the New Testament accounts of Jesus' ancestry highlights God's active involvement in human history, guiding generations toward His ultimate redemptive purpose.
2. **Inclusion of Gentiles in God's Plan:** The most striking theological implication surrounding Salmon is his marriage to Rahab, as recorded in [[Matthew 1:5]]. Rahab, a Canaanite woman and a former prostitute, represents the outsider, the non-Israelite, and the morally compromised. Her inclusion in the direct lineage of Christ through Salmon is a powerful foreshadowing of the universal scope of God's salvation. It demonstrates that God's grace extends beyond ethnic, social, or moral boundaries, welcoming those who turn to Him in faith. This prefigures the New Covenant reality where Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel in Christ ([[Ephesians 3:6]]).
3. **Faithfulness Across Generations:** The very existence of Salmon in these sacred genealogies speaks to the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. Despite the long centuries and the varying faithfulness of individuals, God preserves the line through which His ultimate promise of a Savior will be fulfilled. Salmon represents a quiet but essential link in this chain of divine faithfulness.
### Summary
שַׂלְמוֹן (Salmôwn, `{{H8012}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the word for "garment" or "investiture" (שַׂלְמָה, `{{H8071}}`). His primary and exclusive role in the biblical narrative is as a crucial genealogical link. He is consistently identified as the son of Nahshon and the father of Boaz, thereby connecting the lineage from the Exodus generation to the period of the Judges, and ultimately to King David and Jesus Christ. Theologically, Salmon's significance is amplified by his marriage to Rahab, a Gentile woman, as recorded in Matthew's Gospel. This union powerfully illustrates God's inclusive redemptive plan, demonstrating His sovereign hand in preserving the messianic line and His willingness to incorporate individuals from all backgrounds into His covenant purposes, foreshadowing the universal reach of the gospel. Salmon stands as a silent yet vital witness to divine providence and grace in salvation history.
TRV