Luke 14:34
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
Original Language Analysis
Καλὸν
is good
G2570
Καλὸν
is good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 11
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μωρανθῇ
have lost his savour
G3471
μωρανθῇ
have lost his savour
Strong's:
G3471
Word #:
8 of 11
to become insipid; figuratively, to make (passively, act) as a simpleton
Cross References
Matthew 5:13Ye 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.Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might you be losing your 'saltiness'—your Christian distinctiveness and preserving influence in culture?
- How do comfort, fear of rejection, or desire for acceptance tempt you to compromise the gospel's 'flavor'?
- What would it look like to recover saltiness that's been lost through cultural accommodation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.