ἁλυκός (halykos) is a Greek word that translates to “salted” or “salty” in English. The term is derived from ἅλς (hals), which means “salt.” It is used in the context of describing something that has been seasoned or preserved with salt.
- Meaning:
- ἁλυκός primarily refers to something that has been salted or seasoned with salt. It can describe food or other items that have undergone the process of salting for preservation or flavoring.
- The term can be used metaphorically to convey the quality or state of something being preserved or seasoned, often implying that it has been influenced or affected by the presence of salt.
Detailed Overview with Concordances
1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):
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- BDAG defines ἁλυκός as “salted” or “salty,” focusing on its literal meaning related to the presence of salt. The lexicon notes that this term is used less frequently and is not commonly found in the New Testament. However, it reflects the state of being affected by or containing salt.
2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):
- LSJ describes ἁλυκός as “salted” or “salty,” indicating its use to describe things that have been treated with salt. The lexicon provides examples from classical Greek literature where ἁλυκός is used to describe salted or brined foods.
3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:
- Thayer defines ἁλυκός as “salted,” noting its use to describe items that have been seasoned or preserved with salt. Thayer provides a brief explanation of how the term relates to the quality of being salty or affected by salt.
4. Strong’s Concordance:
- Strong’s Concordance identifies ἁλυκός as “salty” or “salted,” highlighting its meaning as something that has been seasoned or preserved with salt. The concordance confirms the term’s association with the presence of salt and its impact on the object described.
Summary:
ἁλυκός means “salted” or “salty,” referring to the state of being affected by salt. It describes items that have been seasoned or preserved with salt. Key resources such as BDAG, LSJ, Thayer, and Strong’s Concordance provide consistent definitions, focusing on the literal meaning of the term in relation to salt. Although not frequently used in the New Testament, ἁλυκός conveys the quality or state of being influenced by salt, reflecting its importance in culinary and preservative contexts.
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