Salmaשַׂלְמָא
Son of Hur, founder of Bethlehem
Who is Salma in the Bible?
Salma was the son of Hur and is described in 1 Chronicles 2:51 and 2:54 as the father, or founder, of Bethlehem. He was a descendant of Judah and appears in the genealogical records that trace the lineage of Israel's tribes. Salma is also associated with the Netophathites, a group of people who lived in Netophah near Bethlehem, which further connects him to the Bethlehem region. His inclusion in the genealogy of Judah underscores the historical and ancestral significance of Bethlehem, the town that would later become known as the birthplace of Jesus.
Biography
Salma is mentioned in 1Ch.2.51 and 1Ch.2.54 as the son of Hur, who was a descendant of Judah, though the text is difficult to interpret. He is described as the father (ie founder) of Bethlehem, which suggests that he was an ancestor of the people who inhabited the town of Bethlehem in Judah. The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 2 lists the descendants of Judah, including the line of Caleb, which played a significant role in the history of Israel. In verse 54, Salma is also associated with the Netophathites, a group of people who lived in the town of Netophah, near Bethlehem (Ezr.2.22; Neh.7.26). This connection further emphasizes Salma's link to the region of Bethlehem and its surrounding areas. As the father of Bethlehem, Salma's mention in the genealogy highlights the importance of this town, which later became the birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.
Family
Siblings
- UriMaleFather of GeberFather of Geber, one of Solomon's officersView full profile →
- ShobalTribe of JudahSon of HurSon of Hur, founder of Kiriath-jearim, Judahite descendant.View full profile →
- HarephTribe of JudahSon of HurA descendant of Caleb, son of Hur.View full profile →
- JezreelTribe of JudahSon of HurA son of Hur in the genealogy of JudahView full profile →
- IshmaTribe of JudahSon of HurSon of Hur, descendant of Judah.View full profile →
- IdbashTribe of JudahSon of HurA descendant of Judah.View full profile →
- HazzelelponiTribe of JudahSister of UriA woman mentioned in the genealogy of Judah.View full profile →
- PenuelTribe of JudahSon of HurSon of Hur, descendant of JudahView full profile →
- EzerTribe of JudahSon of HurFather or founder of Hushah, of Ephrathah.View full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 2:51
"Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader."
- 1 Chronicles 2:54
"The descendants of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab, half the Manahathites, the Zorites,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׂלְמָא |