Pronunciation Guide: HAL-as (rhymes with “palace”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G217: ἅλας describes salt in its physical form as a mineral used for seasoning and preservation, but carries deep spiritual significance in both biblical and cultural contexts as a symbol of covenant faithfulness, spiritual preservation, and divine wisdom that enhances life.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Root word: ἅλς (hals)
• Language origin: Ancient Greek
• Primary usage: Teaching passages and metaphorical contexts
• Common in both literal and figurative contexts

ἅλας Morphology:

• ἅλας (nominative/accusative singular) – salt
• ἅλατος (genitive singular) – of salt
• ἅλατι (dative singular) – with/in salt
• ἅλατα (nominative/accusative plural) – salts

Origin & History

The word ἅλας emerges from the primitive Greek ἅλς (hals), which was widely used in ancient Greek literature. Herodotus, in his “Histories” (4.53), describes salt trade routes and salt production, demonstrating its economic importance in the ancient world.

Plato, in his “Symposium” (177b), metaphorically uses salt to represent wisdom and preservation of what is valuable, a concept that would later parallel New Testament usage. The word maintained remarkable consistency in meaning throughout classical Greek literature, always carrying both literal and metaphorical significance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A mineral compound used for seasoning and preservation of food
• A metaphor for wisdom and spiritual discernment
• A symbol of covenant faithfulness and permanence
• A purifying and cleansing agent

ἅλας Translation Options:

• “Salt” – Most common translation, appropriate for both literal and metaphorical contexts
• “Savor” – When emphasizing the flavoring properties in metaphorical contexts
• “Preservative” – When emphasizing its function in preservation
• “Seasoning” – When focusing on its role in enhancing other elements

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἅλας appears primarily in teaching contexts, most famously in Matthew 5:13 where believers are called “the salt of the earth.” This metaphor builds on salt’s properties of preservation and flavor enhancement to describe the believer’s role in society.

The word carries significant covenantal implications, drawing from the Old Testament concept of a “covenant of salt” (Numbers 18:19). In the Septuagint, this same concept is expressed using ἅλας, establishing a theological bridge between the testaments.

Key verses:

• “You are the salt [ἅλας] of the earth” Matthew 5:13
• “Have salt [ἅλας] in yourselves” Mark 9:50
• “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt [ἅλας]” Colossians 4:6

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, salt played a crucial role in the Temple service. Every sacrifice was to be seasoned with salt (Leviticus 2:13), symbolizing the permanence and purity of God’s covenant with Israel. The Temple maintained a special salt chamber, and Talmudic sources indicate that a specific “salt tithe” supported this essential element of worship.

The phrase “eating salt together” in Middle Eastern culture signified making a binding friendship covenant, adding depth to the biblical metaphor. This cultural understanding illuminates why salt became such a powerful symbol of covenant loyalty and preservation in Scripture.

Theological Significance

The use of ἅλας in the New Testament presents a profound theology of influence and preservation. When the Messiah Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth,” He’s not simply giving them a role but declaring their new nature in Him. Just as salt cannot lose its essential chemical composition without ceasing to be salt, believers are called to maintain their distinctive character in the Messiah.

This metaphor also speaks to God’s faithfulness in preserving His people and His Word. The unchanging nature of salt parallels יהוה (Yahweh)’s unchanging covenant faithfulness, reminding us that His promises, like salt, never lose their “flavor” or effectiveness.

Personal Application

As believers, understanding ἅλας challenges us to consider our influence in society. Just as salt preserves from decay and enhances flavor, we’re called to both preserve godly values and enhance the lives of those around us. This requires maintaining our distinctive “saltiness” through close fellowship with God and allowing His Word to season our speech and actions.

Consider asking yourself: “How am I functioning as ‘salt’ in my relationships, workplace, and community? Am I preserving what is good and enhancing what could be better?”

Related Words

• ἁλυκός (halykos) – salty, briny – Closely related adjective describing salt’s essential quality See G252
• ἀρτύω (artyo) – to season, prepare – Used in contexts about seasoning with salt See G741
• μωραίνω (moraino) – to become tasteless – Used to describe salt losing its flavor See G3471

Did you Know?

• In ancient times, Roman soldiers received part of their wages in salt, giving rise to the term “salary” from the Latin “salarium.” This highlights salt’s value as currency and preservative in the ancient world.
• The Dead Sea, known in Hebrew as Yam HaMelach (Salt Sea), contains approximately 33% salt content, making it nearly ten times saltier than ordinary seawater. This natural wonder would have been well-known to Jesus’ audience when He spoke about salt.
• Archaeological discoveries have revealed ancient salt production facilities near Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, suggesting a thriving salt trade in first-century Judea.

Remember This

Salt doesn’t exist for itself—it transforms everything it touches, just as believers are called to transform their world through the preserving and enhancing power of God’s presence in their lives.