Lexical Summary Salómé: Salome Original Word: Σαλώμη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Salome. Probably of Hebrew origin; Salome (i.e. Shelomah), an Israelitess -- Salome. see HEBREW shalowm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Shalem Definition Salome, the mother of the apostles James and John NASB Translation Salome (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4539: ΣαλώμηΣαλώμη (Hebrew 'peaceful'), Σαλωμης, ἡ, Salome, the wife of Zebedee, and the mother of the apostles James the elder and John: Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Strong’s Greek 4539, Σαλώμη, appears twice, both in the Gospel according to Mark (Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1). In each scene she stands among the faithful women who followed and served Jesus from Galilee and who remained near Him in His death and resurrection. Identity and Family Connections By comparing the Synoptic Gospels, many conservative commentators identify Salome with “the mother of the sons of Zebedee” (Matthew 27:56). If this correlation is correct, she was the wife of Zebedee and the mother of James and John, members of the Twelve (Matthew 4:21). Thus Salome would belong to one of the earliest Galilean households personally called into fellowship with Christ. Her presence at both the Crucifixion and the Resurrection underscores the enduring devotion of the Zebedee family to Jesus’ ministry. Role at the Crucifixion Mark records: “There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome” (Mark 15:40). When most of the male disciples had fled, Salome remained, witnessing the horrors of Golgotha. Her steadfastness illustrates the courage of those whom society often discounted, yet whom the Lord honored by making them the first witnesses of His Passion. Role at the Resurrection After keeping the Sabbath command, Salome joined Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James to anoint Jesus’ body: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint Him” (Mark 16:1). Their act of love positioned them to hear the angelic announcement, “He has risen!” (Mark 16:6). Salome therefore participates in the earliest proclamation of the Resurrection, validating the historicity of the empty tomb through multiple female witnesses, as later affirmed by the apostolic preaching (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Lessons for Faith and Discipleship 1. Sacrificial Service: Mark 15:41 notes that these women “had followed Him and ministered to Him.” Salome models practical, personal support of gospel work, reminding believers that service to Christ often involves unseen but essential acts of care. Historical Tradition and Extra-Biblical References Early Christian writers such as Eusebius and later medieval commentaries preserve the identification of Salome with Zebedee’s wife, though Scripture itself does not name her husband directly in Mark. Art and hymnody in both East and West frequently depict her alongside Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, reinforcing her role as a resurrection witness. Practical Application for the Church Salome’s brief but significant appearances encourage congregations to: Salome, though mentioned only twice by name, embodies enduring devotion, courageous witness, and generational impact, making her a noteworthy figure in the tapestry of New Testament testimony. Forms and Transliterations Σαλωμη Σαλώμη Salome Salōmē Salṓme SalṓmēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 15:40 N-NFSGRK: μήτηρ καὶ Σαλώμη NAS: the Less and Joses, and Salome. KJV: of Joses, and Salome; INT: mother and Salome Mark 16:1 N-NFS |
    |