Brief Overview of ἁλίζω (G233)

The Greek word ἁλίζω (halizo) means “to make salty” or “to season with salt.” It refers to the process of adding salt to something. This term is derived from ἅλς (hals), which means “salt.” In biblical texts, it is used metaphorically to imply the concept of making something impactful or significant, akin to the way salt adds flavor or preserves food.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G233 ἁλίζω (halizo): Strong’s Concordance defines this term as “to salt” or “to make salty.” It is used to describe the action of applying salt, particularly in contexts where salt’s preservative or flavor-enhancing properties are significant. The term appears in the New Testament in Matthew 5:13, where Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” referring to the metaphorical impact believers have on the world.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon explains ἁλίζω as “to salt” or “to season with salt.” It discusses how this term is used to describe the act of adding salt to food, enhancing its taste or preserving it. The lexicon also explores the metaphorical use of the term in the New Testament, where it symbolizes the role of believers in influencing and preserving moral and spiritual values in the world.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon describes ἁλίζω as “to salt” or “to make salty.” It provides a detailed explanation of the term in various Greek texts, highlighting its literal and metaphorical uses. The lexicon emphasizes the term’s association with seasoning and its implications for enhancing or preserving something, aligning with the New Testament metaphor.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• The BDB Lexicon, although primarily focused on Hebrew terms, supports the understanding of similar Greek terms and their metaphorical implications. It confirms the usage of salt in biblical contexts to denote influence and preservation, reinforcing the interpretation of ἁλίζω as related to these concepts.

In summary, ἁλίζω (halizo) means “to salt” or “to make salty” and is used to describe the act of adding salt to something. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, the LSJ Lexicon, and insights from the BDB Lexicon all support this definition and highlight the term’s metaphorical significance in the New Testament, where it illustrates the transformative and preservative impact of believers in the world.