4415. melach

Lexicon

melach: Salt

Original Word: מְלַח
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: mlach
Pronunciation: meh-lakh
Phonetic Spelling: (mel-akh')
Definition: Salt
Meaning: to eat salt, subsist

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

have maintenance

(Aramaic) corresponding to malach; to eat salt, i.e. (generally) subsist -- + have maintenance.

see HEBREW malach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
(Aramaic) denominative verb from melach
Definition
to eat salt
NASB Translation
service (1).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root word מְלַח (melach), which is related to the concept of salt.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 217: ἅλας (halas) • salt
• Strong's Greek Number 233: ἁλίζω (halizo) • to salt, to season with salt

These Greek terms similarly emphasize the importance of salt in both physical and metaphorical contexts, aligning with the Hebrew and Aramaic understanding of salt as essential for life and symbolic of covenantal relationships.

Usage: This term is used in the context of consuming salt, which in ancient times was a symbol of sustenance and preservation. It is often associated with the idea of subsisting or maintaining life.

Context: The Aramaic term מְלַח (melach) appears in the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, where salt was a vital commodity. Salt was not only used for seasoning and preserving food but also held significant symbolic meaning. In the biblical context, eating salt together was often a sign of covenant and loyalty. The act of sharing salt was akin to sharing life and sustenance, indicating a bond of friendship or agreement.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of salt is often linked to themes of preservation and covenant. For instance, in the context of offerings and sacrifices, salt was used as a symbol of the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The use of salt in biblical texts underscores its importance in daily life and spiritual symbolism.

The term מְלַח is specifically Aramaic, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the biblical texts, particularly in the books of Daniel and Ezra, where Aramaic sections are present. These texts highlight the cultural and linguistic interactions of the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile and the subsequent Persian period.

Forms and Transliterations

מְלַ֔חְנָא מלחנא mə·laḥ·nā meLachna məlaḥnā

Englishman's Concordance

Ezra 4:14
HEB: מְלַ֤ח הֵֽיכְלָא֙ מְלַ֔חְנָא וְעַרְוַ֣ת מַלְכָּ֔א
NAS: because we are in the service of the palace,
KJV: we have maintenance from [the king's] palace,
INT: maintenance of the palace the service dishonor the king's

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 4415
1 Occurrence

mə·laḥ·nā — 1 Occ.