In brief
Salome is a disciple of Jesus whom the Gospel of Mark names three times. She was among the women who watched the crucifixion from a distance, then among those who bought spices after the Sabbath to go to the tomb. There they found the stone rolled away and received the announcement of the resurrection. She had followed Jesus and served him since Galilee. She is remembered for a faithfulness to the very end, and for a fear that does not stop God from acting.
What does the name Salome mean?
Salome is the Greek form of a Hebrew name generally linked to shalom, peace. The Bible does not explain this name. Some identify Salome with the mother of the sons of Zebedee, but Mark does not say so, so this remains a hypothesis.
The story of Salome
A woman who followed and served Jesus
Mark 15:40-41At the time of the crucifixion, women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. Mark notes that they had followed him and served him when he was in Galilee, along with several others who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
Present until the death of Jesus
Mark 15:37-41Jesus cries out loudly and breathes his last, the curtain of the temple is torn in two, and the centurion recognizes him as the Son of God. While the crowds mock, the women stay. Their quiet presence contrasts with the flight of the disciples, and they are direct witnesses of his death.
Spices for the body of Jesus
Mark 16:1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices. They wanted to anoint the body of Jesus. They did not expect his resurrection, but they came at dawn to honor the one they loved, despite the sadness and the obstacles.
The open tomb and the message
Mark 16:5-7At the tomb, they discover a young man dressed in white who announces that Jesus has risen. He asks them to go and tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of them to Galilee, where they will see him, as he had said. God entrusts the first announcement of the resurrection to women.
Fear and silence
Mark 16:8The women leave the tomb and flee. Trembling and astonishment seize them, and they say nothing to anyone because of their fear. Mark does not hide their human reaction. The account stops on this silence, and the rest of the Gospel shows that the message was indeed passed on.
What Salome teaches us
- We can follow Jesus faithfully over the long term, as Salome did from Galilee to Jerusalem.
- Being present in dark moments matters to God, even when we do not yet understand.
- God entrusts essential messages to simple people: women are the first to hear the announcement of the resurrection.
- Fear is a normal reaction, but it must not have the last word.
- The resurrection is the center of the gospel, and every reader is called to respond to it.
Key verses
Women were watching from a distance, and Salome was among them with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses. She is therefore a witness of the cross.
When the Sabbath was over, Salome buys spices with the two Marys. Their initiative shows a love that acts, even when everything seems lost.
They went out from the tomb and fled, seized with trembling and astonishment. Mark openly shows the reaction of these women before the unexpected work of God.
Sermons about Salome
Frequently asked questions
Who was Salome in the Bible?
Salome was a disciple of Jesus who followed and served him since Galilee. Mark names her among the women present at the crucifixion and among those who went to the tomb with spices, where they received the announcement of the resurrection.
What does the name Salome mean?
Salome is generally linked to the Hebrew shalom, which means peace. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. She should not be confused with the daughter of Herodias, whom the Gospels do not name but who is also called Salome.
Where can I find the story of Salome in the Bible?
Salome is named in the Gospel of Mark, in chapter 15, verse 40, then in chapter 16, verse 1. The account of the empty tomb continues through verse 8. She has no personal story, but she is a witness of the death and the resurrection.