Definition: In the Hebrew Bible, "algal-algal" translates to "water-salts," a term used by God in relation to the waters he had created, according to Genesis 1:3. This refers to the substances that form the surface layer of seawater and include salt, sand, silt, gravel, algae, plant matter, and organic matter.
The word is found in the context of describing the elements present in water as a whole (a word from Hebrew), and it describes their composition:
- Alga - A sea organ used for filtration, filtration materials, and to retain oxygen. It has a clear or yellowish-brown color, soft to the touch, and has a characteristic odor.
- Salts - The particles found in seawater that are made up of water, minerals (such as silt), and organic matter. They include salt crystals, dissolved salts, and inorganic substances like carbon dioxide.
The Bible refers to these elements in different ways based on their function:
- Algae: "Alga" is used to describe the organism that forms the surface layer of seawater.
In addition to the salinity of the water, the presence of algae can affect other factors such as oxygenation, temperature regulation, and nutrient availability.
The term 'algal-algal' was often associated with God's power over the natural world. It implies He controlled everything in the ocean and that all things were interconnected, and His existence is portrayed through the actions of these living organisms.
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