שַׁלְמֹן

שַׁלְמֹן

a bribe

Definition

The Hebrew noun שַׁלְמֹן (shalmôn) refers specifically to a bribe or a gift given to pervert justice. It denotes a corrupt payment intended to influence a judge or official, leading to an unjust outcome. This meaning is clearly illustrated in its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 1:23, where the prophet condemns Jerusalem's rulers for being 'companions of thieves' and loving bribes. The word carries a uniformly negative connotation, contrasting with neutral terms for gifts or rewards.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 1:23. It is used in a prophetic denunciation context, where Isaiah accuses the princes of Judah of corruption. The usage is part of a broader indictment of social injustice and the failure of leadership. The context makes clear that the 'bribe' (shalmôn) is a key instrument in corrupting the judicial system and oppressing the vulnerable, such as the fatherless and widow.

Etymology

שַׁלְמֹן (shalmôn) is derived from the root שָׁלַם (shalam, H7999), which fundamentally means 'to be complete, sound, or at peace.' From this root comes the idea of a 'peace offering' or a compensatory payment to make things right. However, שַׁלְמֹן represents a negative development of this idea—a payment that creates a false 'peace' or settlement through corruption rather than true justice or restitution.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights God's profound concern for justice and His hatred of systemic corruption. In Isaiah 1:23, the acceptance of bribes is listed among the sins that defile God's holy city and provoke His judgment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of prophetic literature by emphasizing that corrupt leadership, especially perversion of justice for financial gain, is a direct violation of covenant faithfulness and a primary reason for divine discipline. In ancient Near Eastern culture, including Israel, the judicial system was a cornerstone of societal stability. Bribes (shalmôn) undermined this by allowing the wealthy and powerful to escape accountability while the poor and marginalized were denied justice. This practice was explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19), showing that Israel was called to a higher standard of integrity than their neighbors, making its presence among leaders a grave covenant failure. שֹׁחַד (shochad, H7810) — the more common biblical term for a bribe, used in legal prohibitions (Exodus 23:8). שַׁלְמֹן is a rarer, poetic synonym. מַתָּן (mattan, H4979) — a general term for a gift, which can be neutral or positive, unlike the inherently corrupt שַׁלְמֹן.

Word Details