מָלַח

mâlach /maw-lakh'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningalso as denominative from מֶלַח; properly, to rub to pieces or pulverize; intransitively, to disappear as dust; to salt whether internally (to season with salt) or externally (to rub with salt)
KJV usagesalt, season, temper together, vanish away.
Idioms & phrasesidiom at all
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mâlach, represented by H4414, is a root with meanings related to pulverizing or salting. Appearing 5 times across 4 unique verses, its usage spans from the literal act of seasoning to the figurative idea of disappearing like dust. It can mean to season with salt, to rub with salt, to temper ingredients together, or to vanish away.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The applications of H4414 in scripture are distinct and context-driven. In ceremonial law, it commands that every meat offering must be seasoned with salt as part of the "covenant of thy God" Leviticus 2:13. It is also used in the preparation of holy incense, which is to be tempered together, pure and holy Exodus 30:35. In a prophetic context, it illustrates the impermanence of creation, stating that the heavens will vanish away like smoke Isaiah 51:6. It is also used metaphorically to describe the neglect of the infant nation of Israel, which was not salted at all at its birth Ezekiel 16:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide deeper context for the meanings of H4414:

  • H1285 bᵉrîyth (covenant): This word for a compact or league is directly linked to H4414 in the command to use "the salt of the covenant of thy God" on all offerings, signifying a permanent and binding agreement Leviticus 2:13.
  • H4417 melach (salt): As the noun form derived from the verb, salt is the agent of the action in H4414. It is required with every oblation and is central to the "covenant of salt" (Leviticus 2:13, 2 Chronicles 13:5).
  • H1086 bâlâh (to wear out, decay): In Isaiah's prophecy, this word is used in parallel with H4414. While the heavens will "vanish away," the earth will wax old like a garment, together emphasizing the transient nature of the physical world Isaiah 51:6.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4414 is seen in its symbolic applications.

  • Covenant and Preservation: The requirement to salt offerings points to salt's role as a preservative. This action symbolizes the enduring and unbreakable nature of God's covenant with His people Leviticus 2:13.
  • Purity and Consecration: The use of H4414 in preparing the holy incense and in the ritual care for a newborn signifies purity and being set apart for a sacred purpose. The incense was to be pure and holy, and salting a newborn was an act of consecration (Exodus 30:35, Ezekiel 16:4).
  • Cosmic Transience: The word's use to describe the heavens vanishing away serves as a powerful reminder of the temporary state of creation in contrast to the eternal nature of God's salvation and righteousness Isaiah 51:6.

Summary

In summary, H4414 is a multifaceted word that, while rare, carries significant theological implications. It connects the physical act of salting to the spiritual concepts of covenant, purity, and preservation. From the seasoning of a sacrificial offering to the ultimate dissolution of the heavens, mâlach illustrates how a simple, concrete action can represent profound and eternal truths.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms.

  • Hophal Infinitive Absolute 1×
  • Hophal Perfect 2nd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Pual Participle Passive Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Pual
The passive of the intensive (Piel) stem.
Hophal
The passive of the causative (Hiphil) stem.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Exodus (1 verses).

1
Exodus
1
Leviticus
1
Isaiah
1
Ezekiel

Verse Explorer

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