Salome Σαλώμη

Female Tribe of Levi(?) G4539 2 books

Witness of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection

Who is Salome in the Bible?

Salome was a devoted follower of Jesus who witnessed both his crucifixion and resurrection. She was likely the wife of Zebedee and the mother of the apostles James and John, as suggested by the parallel accounts in Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40. According to Mark 15:40 and 16:1, Salome was among the women who watched Jesus' crucifixion from a distance and later went to his tomb on the morning of his resurrection to anoint his body. Earlier in Jesus' ministry, Matthew 20:20-21 records that she approached Jesus requesting positions of honor in his kingdom for her sons, a request that prompted Jesus to teach about humility and sacrificial service. Her significance lies in her faithful witness to Christ's death and resurrection, demonstrating the steadfast devotion of women disciples during Christianity's foundational events.

Biography

In Mat.20.20-21, she approached Jesus with her sons, requesting that they be granted positions of honor and authority in His kingdom. This request demonstrated her ambition for her sons but also her limited understanding of the nature of Jesus' mission at the time. Jesus responded by teaching about the importance of humility and service in His kingdom (Mat.20.22-28). Salome is mentioned in Mrk.15.40 and Mrk.16.1 as one of the women who were present at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and later went to His tomb on the morning of His resurrection. In Mrk.15.40, she is described as one of the women who watched the crucifixion from a distance, along with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the younger and Joses. Her husband was Zebedee, according to hints at Matt 27.56 with Mrk.15.40. These women had followed Jesus and cared for His needs during His ministry in Galilee (Mrk.15.41). After the crucifixion, Salome, along with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, bought spices to anoint Jesus' body (Mrk.16.1). They went to the tomb early on the first day of the week, intending to perform this act of devotion. However, when they arrived, they found the stone rolled away and a young man (an angel) who informed them that Jesus had risen (Mrk.16.2-6). The angel instructed them to tell the disciples, especially Peter, that Jesus would meet them in Galilee (Mrk.16.7). Salome's presence at both the crucifixion and the tomb on the morning of the resurrection highlights her devotion to Jesus and her role as a witness to these crucial events in the Christian faith.

Family

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 2 with study content
Mark 2 verses
  • Mark 15:40

    "And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome."

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  • Mark 16:1

    "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus."

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Matthew 1 verse
  • Matthew 20:20

    "Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him."

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Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Transliteration Meaning
Named Greek Σαλώμη Salṓmē Salome (i.e. Shelomah), an Israelitess
Mentioned Greek Salṓmē Salome (i.e. Shelomah), an Israelitess