Salome
Mother of James and John
Mother of James and John — followed Christ from Galilee and witnessed the cross and empty tomb.
Salome (Mark 15:40; 16:1) is identified as the mother of Zebedee's children (Matthew 27:56) — that is, of James and John. She ministered to Jesus from Galilee, sought thrones for her sons, and stood by the cross.
Her Story
She came to Jesus with her sons asking that they sit on His right and left in the kingdom. Jesus answered, 'Ye know not what ye ask' — and turned ambition into a lesson on the cup of suffering (Matthew 20:20-23). She stood afar off at the crucifixion (Mark 15:40), and at the dawn of the first day she came with Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, bringing spices to anoint Him. They found the stone rolled away and were told, 'He is risen.'
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Mother of James and John (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40)
- 2Asked thrones for her sons (Matthew 20:20-23)
- 3Followed and ministered to Christ from Galilee (Mark 15:41)
- 4Witness at the cross and the empty tomb (Mark 15:40; 16:1)
Key KJV Scriptures
"But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of...?"
"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him."
Why It Matters
Salome's request was rebuked, but her devotion was not. She is among those who stayed, who watched, and who came early to the tomb.
Application for Today
Greatness in the kingdom is not the right hand of the throne but the cup of obedience and the stone rolled away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salome the same as the daughter of Herodias who danced for John the Baptist's head?
No. The Gospels do not name Herodias's daughter; Josephus calls her Salome. This is a different woman — a Galilean disciple of Christ.
Continue Your Study
Read the full chapters (KJV)
Pillar hub
Women of the Bible
Browse every woman of the Bible — matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples.
Related women of the Bible
Mary
The virgin mother of Jesus — handmaid of the Lord, whose womb received the eternal Word made flesh.
Mary Magdalene
Delivered of seven devils and devoted disciple — the first person to whom the risen Christ appeared.
Elizabeth
Righteous priestly wife who bore John the Baptist in old age and welcomed Mary at the Visitation.
Anna
The elderly prophetess who recognised the infant Jesus in the temple and gave thanks for redemption.
Mary and Martha of Bethany
The Bethany sisters who hosted Jesus, mourned Lazarus, and worshipped at the Lord's feet.
Joanna and Susanna
Women healed by Jesus who supported His ministry from their own resources and witnessed the resurrection.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Angels at the Empty Tomb
On the morning of the resurrection, angels rolled away the stone and announced t
Who Was Salome in the Bible?
People & Characters
Bible Verses About Women
10 curated KJV verses
What Is the Role of Women in the Bible?
Theology & Doctrine
Women of the Bible Quiz
Daughters of faith from Eve to the early church.
Angels Ministered to Jesus (Wilderness & Gethsemane)
After temptation and in Gethsemane's agony, angels came and strengthened the Son
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.