ἅλας
halas
salt
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἅλας (halas), which Strong's number associates with the Hebrew word "melach", holds the simple meaning of "salt". In the context of food and drink, ἅλας was a crucial seasoning for various dishes, including meats and vegetables. It was not only a flavor enhancer but also had preservative properties, making it essential for extending the shelf life of food. We find ἅλας scattered across the Bible a total of eight times, where its presence often symbolizes preservation, safety, and covenant. This is likely because the idea of preservation would have been closely tied to God's protection and care for his people. For instance, the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 43:24) uses ἅλας to describe the altar, underscoring God's role as a preserving guardian. Similarly, in Matthew 5:13, Jesus instructs his followers to be the "salt of the earth", emphasizing the role they play as preservatives of faith and truth in the face of corruption.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
8 total occurrences across the text
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
Matthew 5:13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
Mark 9:50Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:50Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Mark 9:50Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Luke 14:34Salt is good, but if the salt becomes flat and tasteless, with what do you season it?
Luke 14:34Salt is good, but if the salt becomes flat and tasteless, with what do you season it?
Colossians 4:6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.