(Aramaic) from מְלַח; salt; [phrase] maintenance, salt.
Transliteration:mᵉlach
Pronunciation:mel-akh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma מְלַח (mᵉlach), Strong's number `{{H4416}}`, primarily denotes "salt." This meaning aligns with its Hebrew cognate מֶלַח (melach) `{{H4417}}`. However, its most significant biblical usage extends beyond a mere physical substance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, to "eat the king's salt" or to be "on the king's salt" was a powerful idiom signifying a bond of allegiance, loyalty, and dependence, as one was receiving sustenance and provision from the monarch. Thus, מְלַח carries a secondary, yet crucial, semantic range encompassing "maintenance," "provision," and by extension, the loyalty that such provision demands.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term מְלַח (mᵉlach) appears notably in the book of Ezra. Its most illustrative occurrence is found in [[Ezra 4:14]], where Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe write to King Artaxerxes concerning the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. They state, "Now because we are salted with the salt of the palace, and it is not fitting for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king" (ESV). The phrase "we are salted with the salt of the palace" (מְלַח דִּי-הֵיכְלָא מְלַחְנָא) directly employs H4416 and unequivocally conveys the sense of being bound by allegiance due to receiving the king's provisions and protection. This statement underscores their duty to report any perceived threat to the king's interests, as their livelihood and status were derived from the royal household. This specific usage highlights the deep cultural significance of salt as a symbol of covenant and loyalty in the ancient world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic מְלַח (mᵉlach) is closely related to the Hebrew מֶלַח (melach) `{{H4417}}`, which also means "salt," and the verb מָלַח (malach) `{{H4414}}`, "to salt." The broader biblical concept of "salt" often carries significant symbolic weight:
* **Covenant of Salt:** A prominent concept in the Old Testament, signifying an enduring, unbreakable, and perpetual covenant (e.g., [[Numbers 18:19]], [[2 Chronicles 13:5]]). This points to the preservative and binding qualities of salt.
* **Preservation and Purity:** Salt's natural properties as a preservative against decay and a purifier are frequently employed metaphorically in Scripture (e.g., [[Leviticus 2:13]], [[Matthew 5:13]]).
* **Wisdom and Grace:** In the New Testament, "salt" can also represent wisdom and gracious speech (e.g., [[Colossians 4:6]]).
* **Loyalty and Sustenance:** As seen in H4416's usage in Ezra, the concept of receiving "salt" from an authority figure directly implies loyalty and dependence upon their provision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְלַח (mᵉlach), particularly in its extended meaning of "maintenance" and "allegiance," resonates with profound biblical truths.
1. **Divine Provision and Reciprocal Loyalty:** Just as the officials in Ezra acknowledged their loyalty to the king due to his provision, believers are called to unwavering allegiance to God, who is the ultimate source of all sustenance and life. God's covenant with His people is often described as an "everlasting covenant" or a "covenant of salt," signifying its unbreakable nature and His faithful provision.
2. **Covenant Fidelity:** The underlying concept of salt as a binding agent for covenants underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. The "covenant of salt" exemplifies the enduring and unchangeable nature of God's relationship with His chosen people, a relationship maintained by His steadfast love and grace.
3. **Stewardship and Responsibility:** Receiving "salt" or provision from an authority implies a responsibility to act in accordance with that authority's will. For the believer, this translates to a call to faithful stewardship of God's blessings and obedience to His commands, recognizing that all we have comes from Him.
4. **Purity and Preservation in the Kingdom:** While not directly tied to the specific Aramaic usage, the broader symbolism of salt in Scripture reminds believers of their call to be "the salt of the earth" ([[Matthew 5:13]]), preserving moral and spiritual purity in a corrupt world and bringing the savor of God's truth to those around them.
### Summary
The Aramaic term מְלַח (mᵉlach) `{{H4416}}` fundamentally means "salt." However, its most significant biblical usage, particularly in [[Ezra 4:14]], extends its meaning to "maintenance" or "provision," thereby signifying loyalty and allegiance to the provider. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of "eating the king's salt" as a pledge of fidelity. Theologically, מְלַח connects to the broader biblical understanding of salt as a symbol of enduring covenants, divine provision, and the reciprocal call to unwavering loyalty and faithful stewardship from those who receive sustenance. It underscores God's steadfastness in His covenant relationships and the believer's responsibility to live in accordance with His divine provision.
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