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Matthew 5:13

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:13

Verse 13 of 48

Scripture focus

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

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:13

Theological / Devotional

Ye. The Greek pronoun is emphatic: “Ye are the salt of the earth.” Jesus addressed His disciples, especially the Twelve, as charter members of the kingdom (vs. 1-3). Others listened, including peasants, fishermen, and Pharisee spies (Mark 2:6).

Salt. In Palestine, salt was gathered from marshes or inland lakes, often impure. Salt dissolves in moisture, leaving insipid impurities.

Salt’s underlying idea is as a preservative (Job 6:6). Before refrigeration, salt preserved and seasoned food. Christians, by spreading the gospel, preserve and purify the world. Disciples must recognize salvation of others as their primary responsibility, remaining in contact with society despite persecution (Matt. 5:10-12).

Luke omits Matt. 5:13-16 but quotes a similar saying (Luke 14:34,35). Mark also has a similar passage (Mark 9:50). Jesus likely repeated sayings to different audiences.

Lost his savour. To lose essential Christian character is as unthinkable as salt losing saltiness. Nominal Christians misrepresent the kingdom.

Salted. To have salt restored means to regain essential qualities. Salt was added to sacrifices (Lev. 2:13; Ezek. 43:24; Mark 9:49), symbolizing Christ’s righteousness (DA 439). Lives must be preserved and seasoned by Christ’s righteousness to be acceptable sacrifices (Rom. 12:1; Gal. 2:20).

Good for nothing. A Christian without Christ’s grace is “good for nothing” and detrimental to the kingdom.

Trodden underfoot. Worthless salt was cast on paths, visible to the crowd (MB 36,37).

By SdaBc