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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
2 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
γῆν
the land
G1093
γῆν
the land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
3 of 16
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
βάλλουσιν
but men cast
G906
βάλλουσιν
but men cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
10 of 16
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
αὐτό
it
G846
αὐτό
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
He that hath
G2192
ἔχων
He that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Historical Context
The imagery of being cast out likely connects to Gehenna (hell)—Jerusalem's garbage dump where worthless refuse burned perpetually. Jesus frequently used Gehenna imagery for final judgment (Mark 9:43-48). Worthless salt thrown away prefigures worthless professors cast into eternal fire. The warning targets those who profess discipleship but refuse discipleship's cost (vv.26-27, 33).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge 'easy believism' or cultural Christianity that costs nothing and changes nothing?
- What does it mean to be 'fit for nothing'—how might religious profession without transformation lead to divine rejection?
- Do you have 'ears to hear' this warning, or are you dismissing its severity as applying to others but not you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (οὔτε εἰς γῆν οὔτε εἰς κοπρίαν εὔθετόν ἐστιν· ἔξω βάλλουσιν αὐτό. Ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν ἀκουέτω)—worthless salt is euthe ton (fit, suitable) for nothing—not eis gēn (for the land, as fertilizer) nor eis koprian (for the dunghill, as compost). Men exō ballousin (cast it out, throw it away). The repetition of worthlessness emphasizes total uselessness.
Jesus warns that compromised disciples are worthless for kingdom purposes and will be discarded. This echoes Matthew 5:13: salt losing its savor is 'good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.' The solemn conclusion—He that hath ears to hear, let him hear—signals critical importance. This isn't casual teaching but urgent warning about spiritual fruitlessness leading to divine rejection.