Matthew 5:13

KJV

¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye {G5210} are {G2075} the salt {G217} of the earth {G1093}: but {G1161} if {G1437} the salt {G217} have lost his savour {G3471}, wherewith {G1722}{G5101} shall it be salted {G233}? it is thenceforth {G2089} good {G2480} for {G1519} nothing {G3762}, but {G1508} to be cast {G906} out {G1854}, and {G2532} to be trodden under foot {G2662} of {G5259} men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are salt for the Land. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except being thrown out for people to trample on.

Berean Standard Bible

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

American Standard Version

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus profoundly declares His disciples to be the "salt of the earth," immediately establishing their vital role as agents of preservation and flavor in a world prone to moral and spiritual decay. This pronouncement serves as a call to distinctive living and active influence, simultaneously issuing a sobering warning about the consequences of losing their essential character and effectiveness, rendering them spiritually useless and discarded.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration is a pivotal moment within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), Jesus' foundational teaching on the nature of true righteousness and discipleship. It directly follows the [Beatitudes](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes"), which describe the blessed character traits of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven—the "poor in spirit," the "meek," the "peacemakers," and the "persecuted for righteousness' sake." Having defined the inner disposition of His followers, Jesus now shifts to their outward purpose and impact on the world. The metaphor of salt is immediately complemented by the parallel metaphor of [light](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You are the Light of the World") in the subsequent verse, emphasizing a dual mandate for disciples: to preserve society from corruption and to illuminate it with God's truth. Together, these metaphors underscore the active, transformative role believers are to play in the world, not withdrawing from it but engaging with it as distinct and influential agents of God's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, salt (Greek: _hálas_) was an exceptionally valuable and versatile commodity, far more critical than it is in modern times. Its primary use was as a **preservative**, essential for curing meat and preventing spoilage in an era without refrigeration. This function is central to Jesus' metaphor, highlighting the disciple's role in preserving society from moral putrefaction. Salt was also crucial for **seasoning** food, making it palatable and enhancing its flavor, which speaks to the Christian's ability to bring spiritual "flavor" and joy to a bland or bitter world. Beyond culinary uses, salt was employed in **purification** processes and had symbolic significance in **covenants**, often referred to as "covenants of salt" (e.g., [Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - A Covenant of Salt") and [2 Chronicles 13:5](/2_chronicles/13-5 "2 Chronicles 13:5 - A Perpetual Covenant")). This symbolized permanence, fidelity, and an unbreakable bond. The warning about salt losing its "savour" (effectiveness) is rooted in the reality of ancient salt, which was often impure, mixed with gypsum or other minerals. When the pure sodium chloride was leached out by rain or moisture, a tasteless, useless residue remained, fit only for discarding. This practical reality provides a vivid backdrop for Jesus' warning about spiritual ineffectiveness.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 5:13 introduces several profound themes central to Christian discipleship. Firstly, it emphasizes **Influence and Preservation**: believers are called to act as a moral and spiritual preservative in a decaying world, preventing the spread of corruption and maintaining societal integrity. This is not a passive role but an active engagement. Secondly, the verse highlights **Distinctiveness and Purpose**: just as salt is distinct from the food it seasons yet profoundly affects it, Christians are to be set apart from the world in character and conduct, embodying righteousness and truth. Their presence should make a tangible, positive difference. Thirdly, the warning "but if the salt have lost his savour" introduces the theme of **Loss of Effectiveness**: it underscores the perilous danger of spiritual compromise, apathy, or worldliness. If disciples lose their unique, Christ-like qualities—their holiness, their commitment to God's truth, their love and integrity—they become indistinguishable from the world and, consequently, ineffective for God's purposes. Finally, the stark consequence of being "cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Uselessness and Judgment**: a disciple who fails to fulfill their preserving and flavoring role becomes spiritually worthless, facing potential rejection and public contempt, much like the useless, impure salt residue. This serves as a powerful call to vigilance and faithfulness in maintaining one's spiritual vitality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **salt (Greek, _hálas'_):** (G217) This word refers to sodium chloride, a substance crucial for preservation and seasoning. Figuratively, as used here, it denotes prudence, wisdom, and the moral influence that prevents corruption. Jesus uses this common substance to represent the essential quality and function of His disciples in the world.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** (G1093) Contracted from a primary word, this term signifies soil, a region, or the solid part of the terrestrial globe, including its inhabitants. In this context, "earth" refers to humanity and the world system, indicating the broad scope of the disciples' intended influence—not just within the church, but throughout all of society.
* **lost his savour (Greek, _mōraínō'_):** (G3471) From _mōrós_ (foolish, dull), this verb means "to become insipid," "to make foolish," or "to make dull." It doesn't imply a chemical change in pure salt but rather the loss of its essential quality or effectiveness, typically due to impurities or leaching. For disciples, it signifies a loss of spiritual potency, moral distinctiveness, or zealous commitment to Christ, rendering them ineffective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye are the salt of the earth:"** Jesus declares the inherent identity and calling of His disciples. They are not merely to *have* salt-like qualities, but they *are* the salt. This signifies their intrinsic value and indispensable role in preserving society from moral decay and enhancing its spiritual flavor. It implies a distinct, active, and pervasive influence on the world, not just a passive presence.
* **"but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?"** This clause introduces a stark warning and a rhetorical question. The conjunction "but if" (Greek: _dé eán_, G1161 G1437) highlights a serious contingency. If the salt—that is, the disciples—loses its essential quality or effectiveness (its "savour," from _mōraínō_), it becomes useless. The question "wherewith shall it be salted?" (Greek: _en tís halízō_, G1722 G5101 G233) underscores the impossibility of restoring its lost potency; if the very agent of preservation and flavor becomes bland, there is no other substance that can re-salt it or give it back its original property.
* **"it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."** This final clause describes the severe consequences of losing one's spiritual effectiveness. Salt that has lost its _mōraínō_ (its distinctiveness) is "thenceforth" (Greek: _éti_, G2089) utterly "good for nothing" (Greek: _ischýō eis oudeís_, G2480 G1519 G3762). It has no further utility. The imagery of being "cast out" (Greek: _bállō éxō_, G906 G1854) and "trodden under foot of men" (Greek: _katapatéō hypó ánthrōpos_, G2662 G5259 G444) vividly portrays utter spiritual uselessness and contempt. Such disciples, having failed their divine purpose, are discarded and disregarded by both God and humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs several literary devices in Matthew 5:13. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where disciples are directly equated with "salt of the earth." This metaphor is rich in meaning, drawing on the common understanding of salt's preservative and flavoring properties to convey the Christian's essential role in society. The phrase "if the salt have lost his savour" uses **Personification** by attributing the human characteristic of "losing savour" to an inanimate object, salt, thereby making the warning more relatable and impactful for the human disciples. The rhetorical question, "wherewith shall it be salted?", serves as a form of **Aporia**, expressing doubt or perplexity, but in this case, it functions to emphasize the irreversible nature of the loss of effectiveness. Finally, the vivid imagery of being "cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" employs **Hyperbole** and **Imagery** to dramatically underscore the profound uselessness and contempt that results from spiritual compromise or apathy, painting a stark picture of the consequences of failing to live up to one's calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:13 presents a profound theological truth about the identity and mission of God's people: they are called to be distinct and influential agents of His kingdom in a fallen world. This is not merely an optional activity but an intrinsic aspect of true discipleship, flowing directly from the transformed character described in the Beatitudes. The "salt" metaphor emphasizes the believer's role in counteracting the pervasive moral and spiritual decay of society, preserving what is good, and imparting spiritual vitality and truth. It highlights the dynamic tension between being "in the world but not of the world," requiring active engagement without assimilation. The severe warning about salt losing its savor underscores the critical importance of spiritual integrity, faithfulness, and adherence to Christ's teachings. To lose one's distinctiveness—to become indistinguishable from the world in values, ethics, or priorities—is to forfeit one's divine purpose and become spiritually impotent, rendering oneself useless for God's redemptive work and potentially facing His judgment.

* [Mark 9:50](/mark/9-50 "Mark 9:50 - Salt is Good")
* [Luke 14:34-35](/luke/14-34-35 "Luke 14:34-35 - The Parable of the Salt")
* [Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Let Your Speech Be Gracious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' declaration in Matthew 5:13 serves as a timeless and challenging call for every believer to examine their life and impact. To be "the salt of the earth" is to embrace a sacred responsibility: to actively preserve and season the world around us with the values, truth, and love of God's kingdom. This means living a life of integrity, standing against injustice and moral decay, and bringing hope and grace into every sphere of influence—our homes, workplaces, communities, and digital spaces. It compels us to ask if our presence genuinely makes a difference, if we are distinct from the world in a way that points to Christ, or if our "savour" has been diluted by compromise, apathy, or worldliness. The warning is stark: spiritual impotence leads to irrelevance. Therefore, we are called to vigilantly guard our spiritual vitality through consistent communion with God, obedience to His Word, and fervent prayer, ensuring that our faith remains potent and effective for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I currently acting as "salt" in my family, workplace, or community?**
* **What are the subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways that my "savour" might be diminishing, and how can I recover it?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a distinct, Christ-like character that influences others for good?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I remain spiritually potent and avoid becoming "good for nothing" in God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "lost his savour" mean for Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians today, "lost his savour" (Greek: _mōraínō_) signifies a loss of spiritual distinctiveness, moral integrity, and evangelistic passion. While pure salt doesn't lose its chemical properties, ancient salt often contained impurities. When the pure salt was leached away by moisture, a tasteless, useless residue remained. Similarly, a Christian "loses savour" when they become indistinguishable from the world, adopting its values, compromising on biblical truth, or becoming apathetic to God's call. This results in a loss of their preserving and flavoring influence, rendering them ineffective for God's purposes in the world. It’s a warning against spiritual complacency and compromise that can dilute one's faith and impact.

**How can a Christian maintain their "savour" in a corrupt world?**

Answer: Maintaining one's "savour" requires intentional and consistent spiritual discipline. This involves deep and abiding fellowship with Christ through prayer and regular engagement with [God's Word](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abide in Me"). It also means actively living out the character traits described in the [Beatitudes](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes"), such as meekness, mercy, and a hunger for righteousness. Furthermore, it requires a conscious decision to resist the pressures of cultural conformity and to live according to kingdom values, even when unpopular. As [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed") exhorts, believers must "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." This ongoing transformation ensures that their faith remains potent and impactful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 5:13 directly addresses the disciples' role, its profound implications are rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "salt" and source of all spiritual savor. Jesus Himself embodies the perfect preservative, offering redemption from the decay of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He is the one who brings true "flavor" and meaning to life, fulfilling the promise of [abundant life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life"). Believers are called to be the "salt of the earth" not by their own inherent goodness, but by virtue of their union with Christ. It is His righteousness imputed to them ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) and His Spirit indwelling them ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit Dwells in You")) that empowers them to preserve and flavor the world. The warning about losing savor, therefore, is ultimately a call to remain deeply connected to Christ, for apart from Him, we "can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in the Vine")). Our effectiveness as salt is a direct outflow of His life and power working through us, making us agents of His kingdom who reflect His preserving and life-giving presence to a world desperately in need of His grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Luke 14:34

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

Luke 14:35

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 9:49

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Mark 9:50

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:6

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.