צְלֹחִית (tse.lo.chit)
tse.lo.chit
jar
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun tselochit refers to a simple container, translated as either a jar or a bowl. Its meaning is defined by its function rather than any specific shape or material, covering vessels used for holding liquids or dry goods in everyday life.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Kings 2:20. The prophet Elisha uses it to hold salt, which he throws into the spring at Jericho to heal its waters. This single instance highlights the word’s practical nature; it is not a term for ceremonial vessels or expensive pottery, but for common household ware.
Because the text does not specify whether the container was open like a bowl or closed like a jar, translators must choose based on context. In this healing narrative, either translation works, as the focus remains on the act of purification rather than the vessel itself.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tselochit describes a simple jar or bowl, appearing just once in Scripture. In 2 Kings 2:20, Elisha uses it to hold salt for healing the waters of Jericho. This vessel was not ceremonial but ordinary, showing that God often works through everyday items.
Your faith does not require perfect tools or grand gestures. God can use simple means to bring restoration. When you face brokenness, remember that He values your willingness to participate more than the quality of what you offer.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a jar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צְלֹחִ֣ית1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 2:20
He said, “Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it.” Then they brought it to him.
This verse shows the jar as a practical tool for purification, emphasizing God's power to heal through simple obedience rather than ritual complexity.