Matthew Chapter 5 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς·
of the earth
G1093
γῆς·
of the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 27
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
7 of 27
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 #:
9 of 27
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 #:
11 of 27
to become insipid; figuratively, to make (passively, act) as a simpleton
τίνι
G5101
τίνι
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 27
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
16 of 27
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἰσχύει
good
G2480
ἰσχύει
good
Strong's:
G2480
Word #:
17 of 27
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
βληθῆναι
to be cast
G906
βληθῆναι
to be cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
21 of 27
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταπατεῖσθαι
to be trodden under foot
G2662
καταπατεῖσθαι
to be trodden under foot
Strong's:
G2662
Word #:
24 of 27
to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
25 of 27
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 (
Cross References
Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.Leviticus 2:13And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific ways are Christians called to be preserving influences in society?
- What causes believers to lose their 'saltiness' or distinctive Christian character?
- How do we balance being 'salty' (distinctive) with being accessible to those who need the gospel?
Analysis & 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.