from צָלַח; something prolonged or tall, i.e. a vial or salt-cellar; cruse.
Transliteration:tsᵉlôchîyth
Pronunciation:tsel-o-kheeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) is derived from the root tsâlach (`{{H6743}}`), which primarily conveys notions of "to prosper," "to succeed," or "to advance." In the context of tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`), the connection to the root likely refers to a physical characteristic, perhaps "something prolonged" or "tall," suggesting an elongated shape. The base definition identifies it as a "vial" or "salt-cellar." In English translations, it is consistently rendered as "cruse," which refers to a small earthenware jar or bottle, typically used for holding oil, water, or other liquids, or in this specific case, salt. Thus, the semantic range of tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) points to a small, utilitarian container, often with a somewhat slender or tall form, designed for storing or dispensing limited quantities of substances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the narrative of Elisha's ministry in 2 Kings:
* **[[2 Kings 2:20]]**: "And he said, 'Bring me a new cruse, and put salt in it.' And they brought it to him." Here, the cruse is explicitly commanded by Elisha as the vessel to contain the salt. The specification of a "new cruse" is noteworthy; it may symbolize the purity required for a divine act or the fresh start that the impending miracle will bring to the polluted waters. The cruse itself is not the agent of purification but the container for the agent.
* **[[2 Kings 2:21]]**: "And he went out to the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, 'Thus says the Lord: "I have healed these waters; from now on there shall be no more death or barrenness from it."'" This verse describes the action facilitated by the cruse. Elisha pours the salt from the cruse into the spring, leading to the miraculous healing of the waters. In both instances, the tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) functions as a simple, instrumental object, a humble vessel for a powerful divine intervention that reverses a curse and brings life.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **tsâlach (`{{H6743}}`)**: As the root of tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`), tsâlach primarily means "to prosper" or "to succeed." While the object itself does not "prosper," its etymological connection to "prolongation" or "stretching forth" likely describes its physical shape.
* **Vessels (keli `{{H3627}}`)**: The concept of various vessels and containers is pervasive in the Bible, often serving practical purposes but also carrying symbolic weight. The tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) belongs to this broader category of everyday implements that can be consecrated for divine use.
* **Salt (melach `{{H4404}}`)**: Crucially, the tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) is associated with salt in its biblical occurrences. Salt itself holds significant symbolic meaning in Scripture, representing preservation, covenant, purification, and wisdom. The cruse's function is intrinsically linked to the powerful symbolism and efficacy of the salt it carries.
* **Miracles of Elisha**: The use of the tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) is embedded within one of Elisha's foundational miracles, establishing his prophetic authority and God's power to intervene in the natural world. This links the cruse to the broader theme of divine power manifest through human instruments.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing in only two verses, the tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) carries significant theological weight through its involvement in a pivotal miracle:
* **Instrument of Divine Power**: The cruse exemplifies how God can use simple, even seemingly insignificant, objects as conduits for His mighty power. It is not the cruse itself that possesses power, but it becomes the means through which Elisha, acting under divine instruction, brings about a profound healing. This highlights the biblical principle that God often chooses humble instruments to accomplish His grand purposes, demonstrating that the power resides solely in Him.
* **Symbol of Purity and Renewal**: The "new cruse" used to carry the purifying salt suggests a theme of newness and cleansing. Just as the cruse is new, the polluted waters are made new and life-giving. This foreshadows spiritual renewal and the transformative power of God to reverse curses and bring forth life from barrenness.
* **Humility in Service**: The humble nature of the cruse underscores the principle that God's instruments do not need to be grand or impressive to be effective. What matters is their availability and their being filled with the right substance—in this case, salt, symbolizing God's purifying and life-giving power. This can be seen as an analogy for believers being "vessels" for God's work, emphasizing dependence on divine filling rather than inherent worth.
* **Theological Precedent**: The miracle at Jericho, facilitated by the cruse, establishes Elisha's prophetic authority and God's continued care for His people, demonstrating His power to reverse curses and bring forth life from barrenness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`), transliterated as tsᵉlôchîyth, denotes a "cruse," a small, often elongated vessel or vial. While its etymological root tsâlach (`{{H6743}}`) suggests "prolongation" or "extension," its primary function is that of a container. Its two sole biblical occurrences, found in [[2 Kings 2:20]] and [[2 Kings 2:21]], are profoundly significant. In these passages, a "new cruse" filled with salt serves as the instrumental object through which the prophet Elisha, by divine command, purifies the poisoned waters of Jericho. Theologically, the tsᵉlôchîyth (`{{H6746}}`) stands as a powerful symbol of God's ability to use humble, everyday objects as conduits for His miraculous power. It underscores themes of divine healing, purification, new beginnings, and the principle that God's instruments, though simple, can facilitate profound transformation when filled with His appointed means. Its role in bringing life from barrenness highlights God's restorative nature and the efficacy of His word spoken through His chosen servants.
TRV