Brief Overview of Σαλμώνη (Strong’s G4534: Salmōnē)

Strong’s G4534: The eastern promontory of Crete mentioned in Acts during Paul’s voyage to Rome. A significant navigational landmark that marked a crucial point in Paul’s journey, demonstrating both God’s providential guidance and the historical accuracy of Luke’s nautical details.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σαλμώνη appears in Acts 27:7 as a geographical marker during Paul’s perilous journey to Rome. This eastern cape of Crete represented a critical navigational point where the ship struggled against contrary winds. Early church writers saw in this location a metaphor for the challenges faced in spreading the gospel. Today, Σαλμώνη reminds us how God guides His people through difficult journeys while using natural landmarks in His providential care.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαλμώνη, Salmōnē, /sal-mo’-nay/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sal” (like ‘sal’), “mo” (like ‘mow’), “nay” (like ‘nay’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Pre-Greek origin
• Possibly related to Phoenician maritime terminology
• No clear Greek etymological components
• Ancient Mediterranean geographical name

D – Defining Meanings

• Eastern cape of Crete
• Maritime landmark
• Navigational point
• Cretan promontory

For compound words:
Not a compound word – it’s a proper geographical name

Translation Options:

• “Salmone” – traditional transliteration
• “Cape Salmone” – geographical clarification
• “Salmone Point” – nautical reference

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λιμήν (limēn) /lee-mane’/ – harbor See G3040 – maritime location
• νῆσος (nēsos) /nay’-sos/ – island See G3520 – related geography
• ἄκρον (akron) /ak’-ron/ – extremity See G206 – similar concept

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Indeclinable
• No case changes
• No number changes
• No gender variations

The geographical name remains unchanged in Greek text.

Cross-references:

• No verbal or adjectival forms
• No related word families in biblical Greek

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its maritime significance. Thayer’s notes its location on Crete. LSJ provides historical context of maritime usage. Vine’s highlights its role in Acts. Strong’s identifies it as a geographical marker. LEH documents its appearance in Mediterranean literature. Moulton and Milligan show its use in maritime documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone (Acts 27:7)

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The mention of Σαλμώνη in Paul’s journey shows how King Jesus uses even geographical landmarks in directing His mission. This maritime marker represents both the challenges and the divine guidance in spreading the gospel. It reminds us that God’s providence works through natural means to accomplish His supernatural purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient sailors used Salmone as a key reference point in Mediterranean navigation.
2. The cape was known for particularly challenging wind conditions.
3. Archaeological evidence shows ancient shrines to Poseidon near this location.

Strong’s G4534: The eastern promontory of Crete mentioned in Acts during Paul’s voyage to Rome. A significant navigational landmark that marked a crucial point in Paul’s journey, demonstrating both God’s providential guidance and the historical accuracy of Luke’s nautical details.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Salmone, Crete, Paul’s voyage, Acts, maritime locations, navigation, geographical markers, sea travel, Mediterranean, Luke’s accuracy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​