Original Word: שַׂלְמוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Salmown
Pronunciation: sal-mone'
Phonetic Spelling: (sal-mone')
KJV: Salmon
NASB: Salmon
Word Origin: [from H8008 (שַׂלמָה - clothes)]

1. investiture
2. Salmon, an Israelite

Salmon

From salmah; investiture; Salmon, an Israelite -- Salmon. Compare Salmah.

see HEBREW salmah

see HEBREW Salmah

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
father of Boaz, same as NH8007 and NH8009
NASB Translation
Salmon (1). Ruth 4:21 ( , A ^L , = Ruth 4:20 ( id.; read probably -), hence 1 Chronicles 2:11 (twice in verse) (), also (as father of Bethlehem, on identity see Be Now^Ruth) 1 Chronicles 2:51; 1 Chronicles 2:54 (, ^L ()) — ? read in all.

Name and Meaning

Salmon (שַׂלְמוֹן) belongs to the clan of Judah that descended from Ram. Although the precise etymology is debated, the name carries overtones of covering or garment—an apt metaphor for one through whom the LORD would “cover” future generations with covenant blessing.

Biblical Occurrence

• Ruth 4:21 – “Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed.”

This single Old Testament citation appears in the genealogy that closes the Book of Ruth. Parallel forms of the name (“Salma,” “Sala”) occur in 1 Chronicles 2:11–12 and in the New Testament genealogies (Matthew 1:4–5; Luke 3:32).

Genealogical Significance

1. Line of Judah
• Amminadab → Nahshon → Salmon → Boaz → Obed → Jesse → David (Ruth 4:19-22).

Salmon thus inherits the princely heritage of Nahshon, leader of Judah during the wilderness years (Numbers 1:7).
2. Bridge between the Exodus and the Monarchy

Salmon links two key eras—conquest and judges—setting the stage for Israel’s united kingdom under David.
3. Inclusion of Rahab

Matthew 1:5 states, “Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab”. The redeemed Canaanite joins the covenant family through marriage to Salmon, foreshadowing the mission to the nations.

Historical Setting

Salmon’s lifetime spans the earliest portion of Israel’s settlement in Canaan (Joshua–Judges). As part of the generation that witnessed Jericho’s fall and the allotment of land, he represents the first native-born Israelites to live wholly in the promised inheritance.

Connection to the Messianic Line

• Davidic Covenant – Salmon’s great-grandson is David, to whom God swore an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
• Fulfillment in Christ – The Gospel genealogies trace Jesus the Messiah back through “Salmon” (Matthew 1:4-6; Luke 3:32), underscoring the continuity of God’s saving plan from the Exodus to the Incarnation.

Cultural and Theological Themes

1. Covenant Faithfulness – The preservation of Salmon’s name in multiple genealogies testifies to God’s meticulous oversight of His promises.
2. Grace Toward Outsiders – By marrying Rahab and fathering Boaz, Salmon participates in a lineage that repeatedly embraces foreigners (Rahab, Ruth) who place their faith in the LORD.
3. Generational Impact – Salmon’s personal obedience influences centuries; his grandson, great-grandson, and distant Descendant each serve pivotal roles in redemptive history.

Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Application

• Legacy Matters – Faithful living today shapes tomorrow’s spiritual landscape; leaders should cultivate households that advance God’s purposes.
• Welcoming the Convert – Salmon’s union with Rahab models the church’s call to integrate repentant outsiders without prejudice.
• Trust in Providence – Even a name mentioned only once is indispensable to Scripture’s unified story, reminding believers that no act of obedience or season of obscurity is wasted in God’s economy.

וְשַׂלְמוֹן֙ ושלמון vesalmOn wə·śal·mō·wn wəśalmōwnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts

Ruth 4:21
HEB: וְשַׂלְמוֹן֙ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־
NAS: and to Salmon was born Boaz,
KJV: And Salmon begat Boaz,
INT: Salmon was born Boaz

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 8012
1 Occurrence

wə·śal·mō·wn — 1 Occ.