שַׁלְמַן
𐤔𐤋𐤌𐤍
Shaleman
H8020 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Shalman is a proper name referring to a foreign king, recognized in the biblical text as a monarch associated with destruction against Beth-arbel (Hosea 10:14). The name likely denotes an Assyrian royal figure, but precise identification and meaning remain uncertain due to fragmentary historical information and the foreign origin of the name. It is often associated with brutality in the historical context presented.
Semantic Range
Shalman (foreign king, likely Assyrian), proper name, symbol of destructive foreign power
Root / Etymology
Likely from Akkadian or related Semitic languages, possibly connected with the well-attested Assyrian royal name Salmanu or Shulmanu. The form is similar to Shalmaneser (שַׁלְמַנְאֶסֶר), a known Assyrian royal title meaning 'the god Shulmanu is foremost,' but the shorter form may be an abbreviated or variant form. Etymology uncertain as to whether it is a shortened hypocoristic or a distinct personal name. Root in Hebrew uncertain; direct derivation from a Hebrew root has not been demonstrated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hosea 10:14, Shalman is mentioned as the author of a violent attack on Beth-arbel, but the passage provides little further identification. Most scholars see a connection with an Assyrian king, possibly Shalmaneser III or V, or even a different regional leader using a similar theophoric name. Some ancient versions (such as the LXX) treat 'Shalman' as a common noun or corrupt the name, reflecting uncertainty about its referent. The name was likely recognized by ancient hearers as distinctly foreign and royal, specifically linked to military aggression in anti-Israelite campaigns. Later English translations generally render the name as 'Shalman,' sometimes conflating it with Shalmaneser. Care should be taken not to equate this figure automatically with later or better-known Assyrian kings, unless warranted by historical evidence. The term appears only once, so exact nuance is contextually limited.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of foreign derivation; Shalman, a king apparently of Assyria; Shalman. Compare שַׁלְמַנְאֶסֶר.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
uncertain (uncertain) — proper name; possibly linked to Shulmanu (Akkadian deity name); foreign royal name
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1085 | בִּלְדַּד | Bildad |
| H1095 | בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר | Belteshatsar |
| H1114 | בִּלְשָׁן | Bilshan |
| H1150 | בִּנְעָא | Bin'a |
| H116 | אֱדַיִן | and then |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8020-01 |
שַֽׁלְמַ֛ן | shaleman | HNp |
Shalman | Shalman | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8020-01 |
Hosea 10:14 | שַֽׁלְמַ֛ן | shaleman | HNp |
Shalman | Shalman |