מְלַח (me.lach)
me.lach
salt
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun melach simply means salt, appearing only three times in the entire Old Testament. Its limited usage does not diminish its significance; instead, it highlights a specific, practical context within the biblical narrative.
In these rare instances, such as in Ezra 7:22, the word refers to the literal substance used in food preparation or preservation. The text lists salt alongside wheat, wine, and oil as provisions for the temple service, emphasizing its role as a basic commodity rather than a metaphorical symbol at this stage of the canon.
Because melach appears so infrequently, it lacks the rich theological development seen in later Jewish literature or New Testament passages. Here, it stands as a straightforward reference to a common seasoning and preservative, grounding the scriptural record in the daily realities of ancient life without immediate allegorical expansion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about salt in the Old Testament, it often appears as a simple, everyday necessity rather than a complex theological symbol. In these rare occurrences, the text treats salt as a basic commodity essential for life and worship. It was used to season food and preserve provisions, grounding the spiritual life of Israel in the practical realities of daily sustenance.
This straightforward usage reminds us that God cares about the ordinary details of our lives. Just as salt was provided for the temple service alongside wheat and wine, God provides for the needs of His people. We can trust that He is attentive to both the spiritual and physical aspects of our existence, offering stability and flavor in a world that often feels bland or fleeting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- salt1×
- and/ salt1×
- [the] salt of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְלַ֤ח1×
- מְלַ֣ח\׀1×
- וּ/מְלַ֖ח1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:14
Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king,
This verse connects salt to loyalty, as the writers identify themselves by their shared consumption of the king's provisions.
-
Ezra 6:9
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail,
Here salt is listed among other essential offerings, showing its recognized value in supporting temple worship.
-
Ezra 7:22
up to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred cors of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.
The command to provide salt 'without prescribing how much' highlights its unlimited necessity for the returning community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word melach mean?
Why is salt mentioned in Ezra?
Does melach have a deeper spiritual meaning here?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 3 verses
Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we…
Ezra 6:9That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also…
Ezra 7:22up to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred cors of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one…