שַׂלְמַי

שַׂלְמַי

Salmai, an Israelite

Definition

Salmai (שַׂלְמַי) is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man who returned from the Babylonian exile. He is listed among the temple servants (Nethinim) in the genealogy of those who returned with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 7:48). The name itself means 'clothed' or 'my garment,' likely functioning as a personal name rather than a descriptive title. In the parallel list in Ezra 2:46, the name appears as 'Shamlai,' a minor textual variation, but both refer to the same individual. His inclusion signifies his family's role in the religious restoration of Judah.

Biblical Usage

This name is used only once in the Old Testament, in Nehemiah 7:48. It appears in a census list documenting the families who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. The context is purely genealogical and administrative, identifying Salmai among the Nethinim, a class of temple assistants. There are no narrative uses or patterns beyond this single, formal record.

Etymology

The name Salmai (שַׂלְמַי) is derived from the Hebrew root שָׂלַם (salam, H8008), meaning 'to be complete' or 'to make peace,' but more directly from the noun שַׂלְמָה (salmah, H8008), meaning 'garment' or 'clothing.' It is a possessive form, often interpreted as 'my garment' or 'clothed.' It shares this root with words for clothing (simlah) and possibly concepts of completion or covering.

Semantic Range

While the name Salmai itself is not theologically loaded, its appearance is significant. It represents God's faithfulness in preserving specific individuals and families through the exile, ensuring the continuity of worship roles (like the Nethinim) in the restored community. His inclusion underscores the biblical theme of God keeping detailed records of His people and their service, emphasizing that every person has a place in His redemptive plan (Nehemiah 7:5). In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaning related to circumstances, hopes, or divine attributes. 'Salmai' ('my garment' or 'clothed') might symbolize protection, provision, or identity. As a Nethinim (temple servant), his role was one of hereditary religious service, a status that persisted even after the exile, highlighting the cultural importance of assigned duties within the worship community. Shamlai (שַׁמְלַי, H8014) — A variant spelling of the same name found in Ezra 2:46, referring to the same individual.

Word Details