Lexical Summary shalmon: Salmon Original Word: שַׁלְמֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reward From shalam; a bribe -- reward. see HEBREW shalam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shalem Definition a reward, bribe NASB Translation rewards (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שַׁלְמֹן] noun [masculine] reward, bribe; — plural שַׁלְמֹנִים Isaiah 1:23 ("" שֹׁחַד). Topical Lexicon Definition and Biblical Setting The term designates illicit “payments” or “rewards” used to secure favor, a corrupting influence that subverts righteous judgment. Though only attested once, the idea it conveys echoes throughout Scripture wherever bribery is condemned. Usage in Isaiah Isaiah 1:23: “Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the widow’s case come before them.” The word translated “gifts” is the plural form of this entry. Isaiah places it in parallel with “bribes,” underscoring that court officials were motivated by financial inducements rather than covenant loyalty. The victims are the very ones Yahweh commands special care for—the fatherless and the widow (Exodus 22:22–24; Deuteronomy 24:17). Historical-Cultural Context Gift-giving was common in the ancient Near East, but a sharp line existed between honoring someone and purchasing a verdict. Law codes from Egypt and Mesopotamia warn judges against “taking silver.” Israel’s Torah does the same: “You shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and twists the words of the righteous” (Exodus 23:8). Isaiah exposes how Judah’s leadership had crossed that line, turning the structures of justice into profit centers. Theological Implications 1. Violation of Covenant Justice: Bribery undermines the divine concern for equity (Leviticus 19:15), making the courts unsafe for the powerless. Related Biblical Witness • Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19 – direct prohibitions. Ministry Applications • Integrity in Leadership: Elders, pastors, and civic officials must cultivate financial transparency (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Forms and Transliterations שַׁלְמֹנִ֑ים שלמנים šal·mō·nîm šalmōnîm shalmoNimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 1:23 HEB: שֹׁ֔חַד וְרֹדֵ֖ף שַׁלְמֹנִ֑ים יָתוֹם֙ לֹ֣א NAS: And chases after rewards. They do not defend KJV: and followeth after rewards: they judge INT: A bribe and chases rewards the orphan Nor 1 Occurrence |
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