Salome
“Peaceful”
Summary
A name borne by several women in the New Testament era, most notably the mother of James and John who witnessed Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, and the dancer who demanded John the Baptist's head.
☩Wife of Zebedee
Salome was among the women who followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him. Comparison of the Gospel accounts identifies her as the wife of Zebedee and mother of the apostles James and John. She ambitiously requested that her sons sit at Jesus' right and left in His kingdom, prompting His teaching about servant leadership. Present at the crucifixion and among those who came to the tomb on resurrection morning, she was a faithful disciple to the end.
☩The Dancer
Herodias's daughter (named Salome by Josephus, though not in Scripture) danced before Herod Antipas at his birthday feast. Pleased, Herod rashly promised her anything up to half his kingdom. Prompted by her mother Herodias, who hated John the Baptist for condemning her unlawful marriage, the girl requested John's head on a platter. Though grieved, Herod felt bound by his oath before his guests and ordered the execution, presenting the severed head to the girl, who gave it to her mother.
☩Others Named Salome
The name, meaning 'peaceful,' was common in the Herodian family. Salome Alexandra ruled as queen of Judea after her husband Alexander Jannaeus's death. Herod the Great's sister Salome was notorious for her intrigues and manipulation within the royal family, contributing to the deaths of Mariamne and her sons. Some scholars have suggested that the disciple Salome may have been Jesus' aunt, a sister of Mary His mother, based on John 19:25.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Salome," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Salome," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Salome," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).