Lexical Summary Salmóné: Salmone Original Word: Σαλμώνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Salmone. Perhaps of similar origin to Salamis; Salmone, a place in Crete -- Salmone. see GREEK Salamis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Salmone, a promontory of Crete NASB Translation Salmone (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4534: ΣαλμώνηΣαλμώνη, Σαλμονης, ἡ, Salmone, Salmonium (also Sammonium), an eastern and partly northern promontory of Crete opposite Cnidus and Rhodes (the identification of which is somewhat uncertain; see B. D. American edition, under the word Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Salmonē is the name of the eastern promontory of Crete, a sharp cape jutting into the Aegean that forms the natural landmark separating the north-eastern and south-eastern coasts of the island. Ancient mariners regarded the headland as both a navigational waypoint and a warning, since the waters around Crete could shift rapidly from calm to treacherous. Classical writers (e.g., Strabo, Ptolemy) note its strategic importance for ships rounding Crete on the principal grain-shipping route between Alexandria and the Adriatic. Today the cape is identified with modern Cape Sidero, whose steep cliffs and protruding reefs still pose hazards to sailing vessels. Biblical Context The name appears once in the New Testament, during Paul’s voyage to Rome: “We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone” (Acts 27:7). Luke records that the ship, hindered by contrary winds, hugged the protective lee of Crete rather than risk open sea. Passing Salmonē, the crew hoped to reach a suitable harbor before winter, eventually anchoring at Fair Havens (Acts 27:8). The detail underscores Luke’s reliability as an eyewitness and careful historian, for the route aligns with prevailing autumn winds and known nautical practice. Historical Significance 1. Maritime Gateway: Salmonē served as the pivot point for vessels transitioning from the sheltered Aegean into the more volatile central Mediterranean. Mastery of this cape determined whether captains could continue westward in late season or seek winter quarters. Theological Themes • Divine Providence in Navigation: Salmonē illustrates how God directs the course of His servants. Though adverse winds forced a detour, the Lord used the slower route to provide Paul time for ministry onboard and to display His sovereignty over nature (Acts 27:21-26). Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Encouragement: Like Salmonē, unforeseen headlands often compel ministries to adjust course. Rather than read such detours as failure, shepherds may remind their flocks that God engineers alternative routes for greater witness. Archaeology and Extra-Biblical Witness • Submerged anchors and Roman amphorae recovered near Cape Sidero indicate frequent anchorage in antiquity. Related Scripture Topics • Other Cape Crossings: Jonah 1; Mark 4:35-41. Salmonē, though mentioned only once, functions as a vivid reminder that every geographical detail in Scripture serves the larger narrative of redemption, showcasing God’s meticulous guidance of His people through the shifting winds of history. Forms and Transliterations Σαλμωνην Σαλμώνην Salmonen Salmōnēn Salmṓnen SalmṓnēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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