### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **háls**, represented by `{{G251}}`, is a primary word meaning **salt**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, yet its singular use carries significant symbolic weight related to purification and sacrifice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{G251}}` is in [[Mark 9:49]], which states that "every sacrifice shall be salted with **salt**." In this verse, the word is used in a declarative statement that directly follows the idea that "every one shall be salted with fire." This positions **salt** as a crucial element in the context of sacrifice, paralleling the purifying or testing nature of fire.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its immediate context illuminate its meaning:
* `{{G233}}` **halízō** (to salt): This is the verb form of **háls**. It is used twice in [[Mark 9:49]] to describe the action of being "salted," applied first to people with fire and then to sacrifices with salt, creating a direct link between the two actions.
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): This term is fundamentally connected to `{{G251}}`, as the verse specifies that "every **sacrifice**" must be salted. This establishes salt as a required component of a holy and acceptable offering.
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** ("fire"): This word is used in immediate parallel to **salt** in [[Mark 9:49]]. The statement that everyone will be "salted with **fire**" suggests that fire and salt share a similar function of purification or consecration.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G251}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, highlighting several key concepts:
* **Purifying Agent:** Placed alongside fire, **salt** is depicted as an agent of purification. The act of salting a sacrifice implies a process of preservation and consecration, making the offering acceptable.
* **Essential for Sacrifice:** The definitive statement in [[Mark 9:49]] presents **salt** not as optional, but as a necessary element for every sacrifice. This underscores a spiritual principle that offerings must be prepared according to a divine standard.
* **Symbol of Consecration:** The pairing of being "salted with fire" and a "sacrifice salted with salt" suggests that both trials (fire) and deliberate consecration (salt) are part of the believer's experience and offering to God.
### Summary
In summary, though `{{G251}}` **háls** is one of the rarest words in the biblical text, its role is specific and potent. It is defined entirely by its use in [[Mark 9:49]], where it moves beyond a simple seasoning to become a symbol of purification and a necessary element for every sacrifice. Its connection with fire and sacrifice gives this single word a profound theological significance.
TRV