Original Word: ἅλς
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: hals
Pronunciation: halce
Phonetic Spelling: (halce)
Definition: Salt
Meaning: salt.

salt.

A primary word; "salt" -- salt.

Cognate: 251 háls – the sea; a salt-water body. See 217 (halas).

Word Origin
variant reading for halas, q.v.

STRONGS NT 251: ἅλς

ἅλς, ἁλός, ὁ, see ἅλας.

Word Origin: A primary word

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 4417: מֶלַח (melach) • Salt
• Strong's Hebrew 4414: מָלַח (malach) • To salt, to season with salt

These Hebrew terms similarly denote salt and its uses, both literal and metaphorical, in the Hebrew Scriptures, reflecting its significance in ancient Near Eastern culture and religious symbolism.

Usage: The term ἅλς is used in the New Testament to refer to salt, both in its literal sense as a mineral substance used for seasoning and preservation, and metaphorically to describe qualities such as purity, preservation, and wisdom.

Context: The Greek word ἅλς appears in several key passages in the New Testament, where it is used both literally and metaphorically. In its literal sense, salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world, used for preserving food and enhancing flavor. This practical use of salt is reflected in the teachings of Jesus, who often employed everyday items to convey spiritual truths.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus states, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Here, salt symbolizes the influence and responsibility of Jesus' followers to preserve and purify the world through their witness and conduct. The loss of saltiness implies a failure to fulfill this role, rendering the salt ineffective.

Similarly, in Mark 9:50, Jesus advises, "Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another." This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's distinctiveness and integrity as a believer, as well as fostering harmonious relationships within the community of faith.

Colossians 4:6 further illustrates the metaphorical use of salt: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Here, salt represents wisdom and discernment in communication, encouraging believers to speak in a manner that is both gracious and impactful.

The metaphorical use of salt in these passages underscores its symbolic association with purity, preservation, and wisdom. As a vital element in daily life, salt serves as a powerful illustration of the transformative and preserving influence that believers are called to exert in the world.

άλας αλι αλί άλι ἀλὶ αλός άλσει άλσεσι άλσεων άλση άλσος άλσους αλσώδει αλσώδεις αλσώδη αλσώδους αλσών αλών ali alìInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts