King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:13 Mean?

Matthew 5:13 in the King James Version says “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 5:13 · KJV


Context

11

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake . falsely: Gr. lying

12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13

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.

14

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. a bushel: the word in the original signifieth a measure containing about a pint less than a peck


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares 'Ye are the salt of the earth' (Greek: ὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς, 'you are the salt of the earth'), using emphatic pronoun construction. Salt in the ancient world served three primary functions: preservation, flavoring, and purification. Disciples as salt preserve society from moral decay, enhance life's goodness, and purify through righteous influence. The warning 'if the salt have lost his savour' (μωρανθῇ, 'become foolish/insipid') presents the tragedy of ineffective Christianity - worthless and discarded. Saltiness cannot be restored once lost; disciples must maintain distinctive character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Palestine, salt came primarily from the Dead Sea and was essential for food preservation before refrigeration. Salt could become contaminated with other minerals, losing its effectiveness. Jesus' audience, many from fishing villages around Galilee, understood salt's practical importance. Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in salt (origin of 'salary'). The metaphor would resonate deeply - disciples must maintain moral distinctiveness to fulfill their preserving function in society.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific ways are Christians called to be preserving influences in society?
  2. What causes believers to lose their 'saltiness' or distinctive Christian character?
  3. How do we balance being 'salty' (distinctive) with being accessible to those who need the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Ὑμεῖς1 of 27

Ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐστε2 of 27

are

G2075

ye are

τὸ3 of 27
G3588

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

ἅλας4 of 27

the salt

G217

salt; figuratively, prudence

τῆς5 of 27
G3588

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

γῆς·6 of 27

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἐὰν7 of 27

if

G1437

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

δὲ8 of 27

but

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ9 of 27
G3588

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

ἅλας10 of 27

the salt

G217

salt; figuratively, prudence

μωρανθῇ11 of 27

have lost his savour

G3471

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

ἐν12 of 27

wherewith

G1722

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

τίνι13 of 27
G5101

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

ἁλισθήσεται14 of 27

shall it be salted

G233

to salt

εἰς15 of 27

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οὐδὲν16 of 27

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἰσχύει17 of 27

good

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

ἔτι18 of 27

it is thenceforth

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

εἰ19 of 27
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ20 of 27
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βληθῆναι21 of 27

to be cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ἔξω22 of 27

out

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

καὶ23 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καταπατεῖσθαι24 of 27

to be trodden under foot

G2662

to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain

ὑπὸ25 of 27

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν26 of 27
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων27 of 27

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:13 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 Matthew 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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