King James Version

What Does Luke 14:34 Mean?

Luke 14:34 in the King James Version says “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 14:34 · KJV

Context

32

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

33

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath , he cannot be my disciple.

34

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

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? (Καλὸν τὸ ἅλας· ἐὰν δὲ καὶ τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ, ἐν τίνι ἀρτυθήσεται;)—Jesus declares salt (halas) kalon (good, excellent, valuable). Salt preserved food, enhanced flavor, and was used in sacrifices (Leviticus 2:13). But if salt mōranthē (becomes foolish, loses taste)—from mōrainō, to make foolish—its defining quality is lost. The question en tini artuthēsetai (wherewith shall it be seasoned?) exposes the absurdity: worthless salt cannot be re-salted.

Jesus applies this to disciples who lose their distinctiveness. Christians are the world's preservative and flavor (Matthew 5:13)—we prevent moral decay and make life palatable. Disciples who compromise, assimilate to culture, or lose gospel distinctiveness become worthless for kingdom purposes. Saltless salt is useless; compromised Christians are ineffective.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient salt, often from Dead Sea or rock salt deposits, could become contaminated or mixed with impurities, losing saltiness. Such adulterated salt was worthless—couldn't season or preserve. Jesus uses this familiar reality to warn against spiritual compromise. The context (vv.25-33) discusses discipleship cost—salt imagery warns against half-hearted, compromised following.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you be losing your 'saltiness'—your Christian distinctiveness and preserving influence in culture?
  2. How do comfort, fear of rejection, or desire for acceptance tempt you to compromise the gospel's 'flavor'?
  3. What would it look like to recover saltiness that's been lost through cultural accommodation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Καλὸν1 of 11

“is good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

τὸ2 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἅλας3 of 11

“Salt”

G217

salt; figuratively, prudence

ἐὰν4 of 11

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ5 of 11

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ6 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἅλας7 of 11

“Salt”

G217

salt; figuratively, prudence

μωρανθῇ8 of 11

“have lost his savour”

G3471

to become insipid; figuratively, to make (passively, act) as a simpleton

ἐν9 of 11

“wherewith”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τίνι10 of 11
G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἀρτυθήσεται11 of 11

“shall it be seasoned”

G741

to prepare, i.e., spice (with stimulating condiments)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 14:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 14:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:13Colossians 4:6Mark 9:49-50Hebrews 2:4-8

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