Original Word: צְלֹחִית
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: tslochiyth
Pronunciation: tse-lo-KEETH
Phonetic Spelling: (tsel-o-kheeth')
KJV: cruse
NASB: jar
Word Origin: [from H6743 (צָּלַח צָּלֵַח - To prosper)]

1. something prolonged or tall, i.e. a vial or salt-cellar

cruse

From tsalach; something prolonged or tall, i.e. A vial or salt-cellar -- cruse.

see HEBREW tsalach

Word Origin
from the same as tselachah
Definition
a jar
NASB Translation
jar (1).

צְלֹחִית noun feminine jar; — חֲדָשָׁה ׳צ 2 Kings 2:20.

צָלִי see צלה. above

Overview

The Hebrew noun צְלֹחִית denotes a small earthenware vessel—typically narrow-necked, suitable for pouring or sprinkling its contents. Its single attestation in Scripture, 2 Kings 2: 20, shows it functioning as a dedicated container for salt in a prophetic sign-act. The word thus contributes to the Bible’s wider imagery of “vessels” that carry, dispense, or display divine provision.

Biblical Context

Following Elijah’s translation, Elisha is confronted with Jericho’s polluted water supply (2 Kings 2: 19). In response,

“‘Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.’ So they brought it to him.” (2 Kings 2: 20)

Elisha throws the salt from this new צְלֹחִית into the spring, declaring, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I have healed these waters; no longer will there be death or unfruitfulness from them’” (2 Kings 2: 21). The narrative closes with the enduring testimony, “So the waters have been purified to this day” (2 Kings 2: 22).

Historical Background and Archaeology

Small cruses matching the description of a צְלֹחִית are well attested in Iron Age strata across Israel and Judah. Typically wheel-made from local clay, they range from 8–15 cm in height, sometimes glazed or burnished, and were used to hold oils, perfumes, wine, or dry substances such as salt. Their portability made them common household items, yet they could also be consecrated for cultic or prophetic purposes. At Jericho, comparable juglets have been recovered in domestic and civic contexts, underscoring the plausibility of Elisha’s request for an immediately available but pristine vessel.

Symbolic and Theological Themes

1. Newness and Purity. The prophet specifies “a new” צְלֹחִית, underscoring separation from previous usage and potential defilement (compare Numbers 19: 2; Zechariah 13: 1). The act foreshadows later teaching on cleansed vessels prepared for honorable use (2 Timothy 2: 21).
2. Salt as Covenant Agent. Salt signifies permanence and covenantal faithfulness (Leviticus 2: 13; Numbers 18: 19). Poured from a dedicated vessel, it becomes a tangible emblem of the Lord’s power to reverse the curse on Jericho’s waters.
3. Life from Death. Jericho’s “death or unfruitfulness” (2 Kings 2: 21) is remedied through the simple means of a cruse and salt, prefiguring the gospel pattern of God employing “what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1: 27).
4. Prophetic Authority. The צְלֹחִית episode confirms Elisha as Elijah’s rightful successor. As Moses sweetened bitter waters with wood (Exodus 15: 23–25), so Elisha heals waters with salt, both acts pointing beyond the medium to the divine Source.

Connections to Broader Biblical Teaching

• Earthenware imagery culminates in Paul’s affirmation: “We have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4: 7), highlighting human weakness contrasted with divine power.
• Jesus’ declaration, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5: 13), resonates with Elisha’s sign, calling believers to be agents of preservation and blessing amid decay.
• The wedding at Cana (John 2: 6–10) shares the motif of ordinary vessels becoming instruments of miraculous transformation.

Practical Ministry Reflections

– God delights to employ simple, set-apart people—as the new צְלֹחִית—to carry life-giving influence into environments poisoned by sin.

– Faithful ministry often begins with obedience in small details (“Bring me a new bowl”) that position the servant for larger displays of divine power.

– The narrative encourages intercession for communities, trusting the Lord to reverse long-standing patterns of barrenness.

Key Reference

2 Kings 2: 19–22—the sole biblical occurrence of צְלֹחִית, illustrating its role in the prophetic healing of Jericho’s waters.

צְלֹחִ֣ית צלחית ṣə·lō·ḥîṯ ṣəlōḥîṯ tzeloChitInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts