שַׂלְמָא
Salma, the name of two Israelites
Definition
Salma is a proper name given to two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The first Salma is the father of Boaz and an ancestor of King David, listed in the genealogy of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:11, Ruth 4:20-21). The second Salma is noted as the 'father' (or founder) of Bethlehem, a clan leader from the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:51, 54). While both are figures within the tribe of Judah, their roles differ: one is a direct genealogical link in the Davidic and Messianic line, while the other is associated with the founding of a significant town.
Biblical Usage
The name Salma is used exclusively in genealogical contexts within the books of Chronicles and, by implication, Ruth. All three explicit occurrences are in 1 Chronicles 2, which details the lineage of the tribe of Judah. It appears specifically in the lists tracing the descendants of Ram (1 Chronicles 2:11) and Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:51, 54), highlighting its connection to important Judahite families and the establishment of towns like Bethlehem.
Etymology
The name Salma (שַׂלְמָא) is likely a shortened or variant form of the more common Hebrew word שַׂלְמָה (salmah, H8008), which means 'garment,' 'cloak,' or 'clothing.' It is therefore a name derived from a common noun, a practice frequent in Hebrew. The connection suggests meanings related to covering, protection, or possibly even prosperity, as a garment was a valuable possession.
Semantic Range
Salma is theologically significant due to his placement in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. As the father of Boaz and grandfather of Obed (Ruth 4:20-21), Salma is a direct ancestor of King David and, therefore, of the Messiah (Matthew 1:4-5, Luke 3:32). Understanding this link enriches the reading of Ruth and the Chronicler's genealogies, showing God's faithfulness in preserving the line of promise through specific, named individuals.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. Bearing a name derived from 'garment' might signify a hope for the child's provision, protection, or dignity. Furthermore, being named as the 'father' of a town like Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 2:51) indicates Salma was considered its founder or a leading patriarch, establishing his legacy in the community's identity and land.
Salmah (שַׂלְמָה, H8008) — The root noun meaning 'garment' or 'clothing,' from which the name Salma is likely derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →