שַׂלְמָה

שַׂלְמָה

a dress

Definition

The Hebrew noun 'שַׂלְמָה' (salmâh) refers to a garment or piece of clothing, typically an outer robe or cloak. It often denotes a substantial, valuable item of apparel that could serve as a pledge for a loan, as seen in laws protecting the poor (Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:12-13). In other contexts, it describes the worn-out, patched clothing of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings (Deuteronomy 29:5) or the deceptive, tattered garments worn by the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:5, 13). It can also signify luxurious royal garments given as tribute (1 Kings 10:25).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 16 times, primarily in legal and narrative contexts. It appears in the legal codes of Exodus and Deuteronomy concerning pledges and social justice. In historical books, it describes clothing in contexts of deception (Joshua), provision (Joshua 22:8), and opulence (1 Kings). Its usage consistently portrays the garment as a significant, identifiable piece of a person's possessions, whether for survival, legal security, or display of status.

Etymology

'שַׂלְמָה' (salmâh) is a transposed form of the more common Hebrew word 'שִׂמְלָה' (simlâh, H8071), which also means 'garment' or 'cloak.' Both words share a common Semitic root, likely related to covering or clothing. The transposition is a known phonetic variation in Biblical Hebrew, and the two terms are essentially synonymous in meaning and usage.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is central to biblical laws protecting human dignity and economic justice. God commands that a poor person's 'שַׂלְמָה,' given as a loan pledge, must be returned by sunset because it is their only covering (Exodus 22:26-27). This establishes clothing as a basic human right and frames economic transactions within a covenant framework of compassion. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting how God's law cares for the material needs of the vulnerable. In ancient Israelite culture, a 'שַׂלְמָה' was more than mere attire; it was a valuable asset and often one's most expensive personal possession. For many, it served as a blanket by night. Its use as a pledge in loans was common, making the legal protections around it a vital social safety net. Its condition (new, worn, patched) immediately communicated one's social or economic situation, as seen with the Gibeonites' deception. שִׂמְלָה (simlâh, H8071) — The more common, virtually identical term for a garment or cloak. בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — A more general term for clothing, garment, or covering; can also imply treachery. לְבוּשׁ (lᵉbûš, H3830) — Apparel, clothing, or attire; often used for royal or priestly garments.

Word Details