### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **halízō**, represented by `{{G233}}`, means **to salt**. It is derived from the primary word for "salt," `ἅλς` `{{G251}}`. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, giving each instance significant metaphorical weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{G233}}` is used to convey a deeper spiritual meaning. In [[Matthew 5:13]], it is part of a rhetorical question about believers, who are called "the salt of the earth." The verse asks if salt loses its savour, "wherewith shall it be **salted**?" This highlights the unique purpose of believers to influence and preserve. In [[Mark 9:49]], the word appears twice, stating that "every one shall be **salted** with fire, and every sacrifice shall be **salted** with salt," linking the act of salting to both purification and consecration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the meaning of `{{G233}}`:
* `{{G217}}` **hálas** (salt): This is the noun for the substance itself. It appears in the statement "Ye are the **salt** of the earth" and is the subject that loses its savour, prompting the question of how it can be salted again [[Matthew 5:13]].
* `{{G3471}}` **mōraínō** (to become insipid): This verb describes the action that creates the dilemma in [[Matthew 5:13]]. For salt to **lose its savour** is to become useless, highlighting the importance of maintaining spiritual effectiveness.
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This word is directly linked to the act of being salted in [[Mark 9:49]]. The statement that everyone will be salted with **fire** connects the preserving and purifying quality of salt with a process of trial and refinement.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G233}}` is significant, focusing on the themes of purpose, purification, and preservation.
* **Purpose and Influence:** The use of `{{G233}}` in [[Matthew 5:13]] establishes the believer's role. To be "salted" implies possessing a divine quality that influences the world. The impossibility of re-salting what has lost its savour `{{G3471}}` underscores the critical nature of maintaining this spiritual distinction, without which one is "good for nothing" `{{G2480}}` [[Matthew 5:13]].
* **Purification through Trial:** [[Mark 9:49]] introduces a powerful metaphor: being "salted with fire." This suggests that trials are a means of purification and preservation for the believer, similar to how salt preserves a sacrifice.
* **Consecration:** The parallel statement in [[Mark 9:49]] that "every sacrifice `{{G2378}}` shall be salted with salt" connects the verb to the act of making something holy or acceptable. The act of being **salted** is an act of consecration, setting something apart for a divine purpose.
### Summary
In summary, **halízō** `{{G233}}` is a rare but powerful verb that means **to salt**. While appearing only a few times, it is central to understanding key theological concepts. It illustrates the essential, irreplaceable influence believers are meant to have on the earth [[Matthew 5:13]] and also serves as a potent metaphor for purification and consecration through trial, linking the act of being **salted** to both fire and sacrifice [[Mark 9:49]].
TRV