Σαλμώνη

Salmṓnē

G4534 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Salmōnē is a proper noun referring specifically to a prominent cape at the eastern end of the island of Crete, known in antiquity as a geographical landmark. In the New Testament, the term designates this specific headland; it does not function as a common noun and refers only to this single place. Contextually, it identifies a feature important for maritime navigation in the ancient Mediterranean. There are no expanded metaphorical or extended senses attested.

Semantic Range

Salmōnē (the eastern cape of Crete), headland, geographic marker

Root / Etymology

Origin uncertain. The formation resembles other Greek place names ending in -ώνη. The similarity to Σαλαμίς (Salamis, another place name) is noted but likely coincidental; no clear linguistic derivation has been established.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Σαλμώνη appears solely as a toponym in Acts 27:7 for the promontory at the eastern tip of Crete. In Hellenistic and Roman navigation, such capes were crucial reference points. Greek and Roman geographers (e.g., Strabo, Ptolemy) also reference Salmōnē, indicating its significance in ancient seafaring routes. The term does not bear additional connotations beyond its identification of that specific place, nor does it play a symbolic role in the Septuagint or New Testament. English Bible translations uniformly transliterate the name without attempt at interpretation. The name’s phonological structure is comparable to other Greek toponyms but has no further attested secular or religious use in wider Greek literature.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps of similar origin to Σαλαμίς; Salmone, a place in Crete:--Salmone.

Root Family

Σαλμωνη- (Salmṓnē) — name of a geographic location, promontory, landmark

Root Σαλμωνη- name of a geographic location, promontory, landmark

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4534-01 Σαλμώνην salmonen N ACC F SG Salmone Salmōnē Salmōnē 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4534-01 Acts 27:7 Σαλμώνην salmonen N ACC F SG Salmone Salmōnē Salmōnē