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ἅλς (hals) is a Greek word that translates to “salt” in English. It refers to the substance commonly used in cooking and preservation. The term appears in various contexts within the New Testament and ancient Greek literature.

1. Meaning:

• ἅλς primarily means “salt,” the mineral used for seasoning and preserving food. It is a common substance in daily life and has significant metaphorical uses in biblical texts.

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1. Biblical Usage:

• In the New Testament, ἅλς is used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it refers to the substance used for flavoring or preserving food. Metaphorically, it is used to convey spiritual meanings, such as purity, preservation, and value.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἅλς as “salt,” the common mineral used in cooking and preserving food. It also notes the term’s metaphorical uses in biblical texts, where it symbolizes purity, preservation, and the quality of believers’ lives. For example, in Matthew 5:13, Jesus uses ἅλς metaphorically to describe the role of believers as “the salt of the earth.”

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

• LSJ describes ἅλς as “salt” and provides information on its various uses in Greek literature, including its culinary and preservative roles. It also acknowledges the metaphorical use of salt in philosophical and religious contexts to denote value and essential qualities.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines ἅλς as “salt,” emphasizing its common use in everyday life for seasoning and preservation. Thayer also discusses the term’s metaphorical applications in the New Testament, where it symbolizes the preserving and purifying influence of Christians.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance defines ἅλς as “salt,” highlighting its primary meaning as the substance used in food preparation. It also notes the metaphorical uses in scripture, where ἅλς represents the positive impact and essential nature of spiritual qualities in believers’ lives.

Summary:
ἅλς primarily means “salt,” referring to the mineral used for seasoning and preservation. In biblical contexts, it is used both literally and metaphorically. Key resources such as BDAG, LSJ, Thayer, and Strong’s Concordance confirm the literal meaning of ἅλς as salt and highlight its metaphorical significance in conveying ideas of purity, preservation, and essential value in spiritual teachings.