Salt water, primarily referring to the water of the seas and oceans, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the Bible. It is often contrasted with fresh water and is used in various contexts to convey spiritual truths and natural realities.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Creation and Separation: In the Genesis account of creation, God separates the waters, distinguishing between the waters above and the waters below (Genesis 1:6-10). This act of separation establishes the boundaries between salt water and fresh water, highlighting God's order in creation.

2. Judgment and Desolation: Salt water is sometimes associated with judgment and desolation. In the account of Lot's wife, the region around the Dead Sea, known for its high salinity, becomes a symbol of divine judgment. Lot's wife turns into a pillar of salt as a consequence of looking back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:26).

3. Healing and Transformation: The prophet Ezekiel envisions a future where salt water is transformed into fresh water, symbolizing healing and restoration. In Ezekiel 47:8-9, the prophet describes a river flowing from the temple, turning the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh, allowing life to flourish: "He said to me, 'This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it enters the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because this water goes there and makes the salt water fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish.'"

4. Metaphor for Speech: In the New Testament, salt is used metaphorically to describe the quality of speech. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." While not directly referring to salt water, the metaphor of salt implies preservation and flavor, suggesting that speech should be wholesome and edifying.

5. James on Fresh and Salt Water: The Epistle of James uses the imagery of fresh and salt water to illustrate the inconsistency of the tongue. James 3:11-12 states, "Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." This passage underscores the importance of purity and consistency in one's words and actions.

Practical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, salt water was a familiar part of daily life, particularly for those living near the Mediterranean Sea or the Dead Sea. The high salinity of the Dead Sea made it a unique geographical feature, often associated with barrenness and lifelessness, yet also with preservation and healing properties due to its mineral-rich waters.

Salt itself was a valuable commodity in biblical times, used for preserving food, seasoning, and even in covenant rituals. The presence of salt water in the biblical narrative serves as a backdrop for understanding the cultural and spiritual significance of salt in the ancient world.

Overall, salt water in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing both the natural order established by God and deeper spiritual truths about judgment, transformation, and the power of words.