Brief Overview of Σαλώμη (Strong’s G4539: Salōmē)

Strong’s G4539: From Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom), meaning “peaceful.” A female follower of Jesus mentioned in Mark’s Gospel, present at both the crucifixion and the empty tomb, traditionally identified as the wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John, demonstrating women’s crucial role in Jesus’s ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

The name Σαλώμη appears in Mark 15:40 and Mark 16:1, identifying a faithful female disciple who witnessed both Christ’s death and resurrection. Her presence at these crucial moments represents the significant role of women in Jesus’s ministry and the early church. Early church fathers saw in her faithfulness a model of discipleship. Today, Σαλώμη reminds us of the inclusive nature of Christ’s kingdom and the importance of faithful witness in both suffering and triumph.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαλώμη, Salōmē, /sal-o’-may/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sal” (like ‘sal’), “o” (like ‘oh’), “may” (like ‘may’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom)
• Root meaning: peace, completeness
• No Greek prefixes or suffixes
• Transliteration of Hebrew name

D – Defining Meanings

• Peaceful one
• Complete one
• One of peace
• Harmonious one

For compound words:
Not a compound word – it’s a transliteration of a Hebrew name

Translation Options:

• “Salome” – traditional transliteration
• “Peace” – meaning-based translation
• “Peaceful” – adjectival form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• εἰρήνη (eirēnē) /i-ray’-nay/ – peace See G1515 – Greek equivalent meaning
• Μαρία (Maria) /mar-ee’-ah/ – Mary See G3137 – similar female disciple
• Ἰωάννα (Iōanna) /ee-o-an’-nah/ – Joanna See G2489 – similar female follower

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: שְׁלוֹמִית (Shelomit)
• Related concept: שָׁלוֹם (shalom) – peace

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes her role as a witness. Thayer’s connects her to Jesus’s ministry. LSJ notes the name’s Jewish origins. Vine’s highlights her presence at crucial events. Strong’s traces the Hebrew etymology. LEH documents similar names in Jewish literature. Moulton and Milligan show the name’s use in Jewish communities.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome (Mark 15:40)

Additional References:
Mark 16:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Σαλώμη exemplifies faithful discipleship in King Jesus’s kingdom. Her presence at both cross and tomb demonstrates unwavering commitment through both suffering and victory. This proclaims the good news that Christ’s kingdom includes and values all who follow Him faithfully, regardless of gender or social status.

D – Did You Know?

1. Traditional sources identify her as the wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John.
2. She represents one of the earliest named female witnesses to the resurrection.
3. Early church traditions suggest she was related to Mary, Jesus’s mother.

Strong’s G4539: From Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom), meaning “peaceful.” A female follower of Jesus mentioned in Mark’s Gospel, present at both the crucifixion and the empty tomb, traditionally identified as the wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John, demonstrating women’s crucial role in Jesus’s ministry.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Salome, women disciples, crucifixion witnesses, resurrection witnesses, Mark’s Gospel, female followers, Jewish names, discipleship, faithful witness, Hebrew names​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​