צְלֹחִית
𐤑𐤋𐤇𐤉𐤕
tsᵉlôchîyth
H6746 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A small flask or vial, typically of slender or elongated shape, used for holding liquids such as oil, ointment, or other precious substances. In the biblical context, it is a container associated with pouring or anointing, not merely any ordinary jar or jug, and often crafted to be portable and suitable for special or ritual purposes.
Semantic Range
flask, vial, small bottle, cruet, portable container for oil or ointments; (later usage) flask for perfume or precious liquids
Root / Etymology
From the root צָלַח (tsalach), meaning 'to succeed, to go forth, to advance.' The nominal form suggests an implement that projects or extends (as in 'elongated'), the practical application being a vessel designed for pouring or carrying a specific, often precious, liquid. The connection between the root meaning and the vessel is metaphorical: as something that 'extends forth' or pours out.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צְלֹחִית occurs in the Hebrew Bible most notably in 1 Kings 17:12,14,16 (the flask of oil belonging to the widow of Zarephath) and 2 Kings 2:20 (the 'new bowl' used by Elisha). The primary nuance is that of a small, specific-use container rather than a general jar; its shape (slender/elongated) distinguishes it from broader or more general vessels (such as כַּד, jar or pitcher). Over time, the term continued to denote vessels for precious or ritual liquids. English translations vary between 'cruse,' 'flask,' and 'vial'; 'cruse,' a now-archaic English term, may obscure the image of a small, often precious flask. In later Hebrew and translations the term could mean vessel for perfume or cosmetics. It is not an ordinary household storage jar, but rather a portable container, often with sacred or valued contents, and, in post-biblical usage, sometimes refers to small glass bottles used for medicine or oils.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from צָלַח; something prolonged or tall, i.e. a vial or salt-cellar; cruse.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צלח (ts-l-ḥ) — to succeed, to advance, to go forth, to pour out
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6743 | צָלַח | in one causing to prosper |
| H6744 | צְלַח | he made prosper |
| H6745 | צֵלָחָה | and in the spread-out platters |
| H6747 | צַלַּחַת | in the broad dish |
| H6766 | צֶלְצַח | in Tseltsach |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6746-01 |
צְלֹחִ֣ית | tselochit | HNcfsa |
bowl | pouring flask | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6746-01 |
2 Kings 2:20 | צְלֹחִ֣ית | tselochit | HNcfsa |
bowl | pouring flask |