Brief Overview of Σαλαθιήλ (Strong’s G4528: Salathiēl)

Strong’s G4528: From Hebrew שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel), meaning “I have asked of God.” A crucial figure in Jesus’s genealogy, appearing after the Babylonian exile, representing God’s faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line despite national catastrophe.

U- Unveiling the Word

The name Σαλαθιήλ carries profound theological significance as it appears in Matthew 1:12 and Luke 3:27. As father of Zerubbabel and son of Jeconiah, he represents the continuation of the messianic line through the dark period of exile. His name, meaning “I have asked of God,” testifies to divine faithfulness in maintaining the Davidic covenant despite national judgment. Early church fathers saw in this name evidence of God’s mercy in preserving the messianic line. Today, Σαλαθιήλ reminds us that God’s promises endure even through the darkest times.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαλαθιήλ, Salathiēl, /sal-ath-ee-ale’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sal” (like ‘sal’), “ath” (like ‘math’), “ee” (like ‘see’), “ale” (like ‘ale’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel)
• Root: שָׁאַל (sha’al) – to ask
• Theophoric element: אֵל (El) – God
• Combined meaning: I have asked of God

D – Defining Meanings

• Asked of God
• Petition of God
• God’s request
• Prayer to God

For compound words:
Not a compound word in Greek, but transliterates a Hebrew compound name

Translation Options:

• “Salathiel” – traditional transliteration
• “Shealtiel” – Hebrew form
• “God’s petition” – meaning-based translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai) /pros-yoo’-khom-ahee/ – to pray See G4336 – related concept
• αἰτέω (aiteō) /ahee-teh’-o/ – to ask See G154 – similar meaning
• δέομαι (deomai) /deh’-om-ahee/ – to beseech See G1189 – related concept

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

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

The name remains unchanged in Greek text as it’s a transliteration.

Cross-references:

• Hebrew equivalent: שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel)
• Related concept: שְׁאֵלָה (she’elah) – request

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Σαλαθιήλ’s role in the post-exilic period. Thayer’s connects him to the restoration of Israel. LSJ notes his appearance in historical records. Vine’s highlights his position in Christ’s genealogy. Strong’s traces his Hebrew name meaning. LEH documents his presence in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show his historical significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. (Matthew 1:12)

Additional References:
Luke 3:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Σαλαθιήλ powerfully demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises even in exile. Through this man, God preserved the royal line of King Jesus despite national judgment. This proclaims the good news that God’s redemptive purposes cannot be thwarted by human failure or circumstance, assuring us that He remains faithful to His covenant promises.

D – Did You Know?

1. Salathiel bridges the pre-exilic and post-exilic periods in Jesus’s genealogy.
2. His son Zerubbabel became a key figure in rebuilding the Temple.
3. Some scholars believe his name reflects the prayers of exiles for deliverance.

Strong’s G4528: From Hebrew שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (Shealtiel), meaning “I have asked of God.” A crucial figure in Jesus’s genealogy, appearing after the Babylonian exile, representing God’s faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line despite national catastrophe.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: genealogy, exile, restoration, Davidic line, Matthew’s Gospel, Luke’s Gospel, Jewish history, royal lineage, messianic hope, covenant faithfulness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​