Σαλείμ

Saleím

G4530 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A place name referring to a specific location, known from the New Testament passage John 3:23. The name Saleím designates a particular place, distinct from general common nouns. While the term is used as a proper noun, it is likely connected etymologically to the root meaning 'peace,' but in practice only identifies a locale.

Semantic Range

Salim (location, proper name), possibly connected to 'peace' in Semitic context but in Greek usage strictly a place name

Root / Etymology

Probably of Semitic origin, related to Hebrew שָׁלֵם (Shalem, meaning 'peace' or 'completion'). Unrelated directly to the Greek verb σαλεύω ('to shake'). The Greek form Σαλείμ is a transliteration of the Semitic place name. Etymology uncertain beyond the underlying Semitic root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Σαλείμ appears only once in the New Testament (John 3:23), as the location near which John was baptizing. In the LXX and earlier Jewish texts, the related term 'Salem' is attested (Genesis 14:18), often identified with Jerusalem, though the precise relationship of Σαλείμ in John to biblical Salem or to any known archaeological site is debated. The term is always a proper noun designating a locale, not a descriptor or a common noun, and should not be confused with Greek verbs like σαλεύω ('to shake, stir'). English translations generally retain 'Salim' as a transliterated place name. In Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, place names of Semitic origin were often adopted into Greek texts without semantic change beyond location reference.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from the same as σαλεύω; Salim, a place in Palestine:--Salim.

Root Family

Σαλείμ (Saleím) — place name, locale name, proper noun

Root uncertain place name, locale name, proper noun

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4530-01 Σαλείμ saleim N GEN N SG Salim of Salim Saleim 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4530-01 John 3:23 Σαλείμ saleim N GEN N SG Salim of Salim Saleim