Salmai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Salmai in the Bible?
Salmai is identified as the eponymous ancestor of a Nethinim family, a group of temple servants, with a name that may indicate foreign origin. He appears in the genealogical lists of Ezra 2:46 and Nehemiah 7:48.
SIGNIFICANCE
The mention of Salmai and his family in these census lists provides concrete evidence of the social stratification and diverse ethnic composition within the restored Jewish community, illustrating how specific lineages were integrated into the religious infrastructure of the Second Temple period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Salmai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Salmai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Salmai clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 2:46Nehemiah 7:48
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Salmai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/salmai/