Salt-wort is a plant mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the book of Job. It is associated with the harsh and desolate conditions of the wilderness. The term "salt-wort" refers to plants that thrive in saline environments, often found in arid and semi-arid regions. These plants are known for their ability to survive in soil with high salt content, which is typically inhospitable to most vegetation.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to salt-wort is found in Job 30:4, where Job describes the desperate conditions of those who are marginalized and forced to survive in the wilderness: "They pluck salt-wort by the bushes, and the roots of the broom tree are their food" . This verse highlights the extreme poverty and destitution faced by these individuals, who are compelled to gather and consume whatever meager sustenance they can find in the barren landscape.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the wilderness was often seen as a place of desolation and testing. The mention of salt-wort in Job underscores the severity of the conditions faced by those living on the fringes of society. Salt-wort, being one of the few plants capable of growing in such harsh environments, symbolizes the struggle for survival in a world that offers little in terms of resources or comfort.

Botanical Characteristics:

Salt-wort belongs to a group of halophytic plants, which are adapted to grow in salty conditions. These plants have specialized mechanisms to manage salt intake and retain water, allowing them to thrive where other plants cannot. Common species of salt-wort include those from the genera Salsola and Salicornia, which are often found in coastal and desert regions.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the reference to salt-wort in Job can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers. Just as salt-wort endures and survives in a harsh environment, so too are the faithful called to persevere through the challenges and adversities of life. The imagery of salt-wort serves as a reminder of God's provision and sustenance, even in the most desolate circumstances.

Symbolism in Scripture:

Salt-wort, as a symbol of endurance and survival, aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as a provider who sustains His creation, even in the wilderness. The presence of salt-wort in the narrative of Job reinforces the message that God is present and active, even in times of suffering and need.

In summary, salt-wort in the Bible is a poignant symbol of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. Its mention in the book of Job serves to illustrate the dire conditions of the wilderness and the enduring hope found in God's provision.SALT-WORT

solt'-wurt (malluach, a word connected with melach, "salt," translated halimos; the King James Version, mallows): The halimos of the Greeks is the sea orache, Atriplex halimus, a silvery whitish shrub which flourishes upon the shores of the Dead Sea alongside the rutm (see JUNIPER). Its leaves are oval and somewhat like those of an olive. They have a sour flavor and would never be eaten when better food was obtainable (Job 30:4). The translation "mallows" is due to the apparent similarity of the Hebrew malluach to the Greek malache, which is the Latin malva and English "mallow." Certain species of malva known in Arabic, as khubbazeh, are very commonly eaten by the poor of Palestine.

E. W. G. Masterman

Saltwort
... Batis maritima, and the glasswort. See Glasswort. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. SALT-WORT. solt'-wurt (malluach, a word connected ...
/s/saltwort.htm - 7k

Salt-wort (1 Occurrence)
Salt-wort. Saltwort, Salt-wort. Salty . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SALT-WORT. ... (See JPS ASV DBY). Saltwort, Salt-wort. Salty . Reference Bible.
/s/salt-wort.htm - 7k

Mallows (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Occurs only in Job 30:4 (RV, "saltwort"). ... See Malvaceous.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MALLOWS. mal'-oz. See SALT-WORT. ...
/m/mallows.htm - 7k

Nettles (5 Occurrences)
... Septuagint has phrugana agria, "wild brushwood," in Job, and certainly the association
with the "saltwort" and the retm, "broom," in the passage would best be ...
/n/nettles.htm - 9k

Wormwood (10 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS YLT NAS). Job 30:4 They pluck salt-wort by the bushes; And the
roots of the broom are their food. (See JPS). Proverbs 5:4 ...
/w/wormwood.htm - 13k

Salty (4 Occurrences)

/s/salty.htm - 7k

Salt-sea (3 Occurrences)
Salt-sea. Salt-pits, Salt-sea. Saltwort . Multi-Version Concordance Salt-sea
(3 Occurrences). ... Salt-pits, Salt-sea. Saltwort . Reference Bible.
/s/salt-sea.htm - 7k

Soap (4 Occurrences)
... Malachi 3:2; Hebrews borith), properly a vegetable alkali, obtained from the ashes
of certain plants, particularly the salsola kali (saltwort), which abounds ...
/s/soap.htm - 10k

Food (2953 Occurrences)
... Men in utter extremity sometimes "plucked saltwort" (malluah) and ate the leaves,
either raw or boiled, and made "the roots of the broom" their food (Job 30:4 ...
/f/food.htm - 36k

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