New Testament
Luke 14:35
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It's useless — no good for the soil, no good even for the manure pile. People just throw it away. If you have ears to hear, then listen!"
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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.
What Luke 14:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of salt to illustrate the importance of being effective and valuable in our lives. Salt is meant to enhance flavor and preserve food, but if it loses its saltiness, it becomes worthless. Similarly, followers of Christ are called to live in a way that reflects their faith and positively impacts the world around them. The reference to being thrown away emphasizes the seriousness of failing to fulfill this purpose. The phrase 'he that hath ears to hear, let him hear' serves as a call to pay attention to this teaching, urging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the importance of remaining true to their faith and mission.
How to apply Luke 14:35 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on your own life and consider how you can be more effective in your faith. Are you living in a way that positively influences those around you? Make a conscious effort to embody the values of your beliefs, ensuring that your actions align with your faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 14:35
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 14:35 mean?
Luke 14:35 uses the metaphor of salt to illustrate the importance of being valuable and effective in our lives. If salt loses its flavor, it becomes worthless, just as followers of Christ are called to live in a way that positively impacts the world.
What is the significance of salt in Luke 14:35?
In Luke 14:35, salt represents the effectiveness and purpose of a believer's life. Just as salt enhances flavor and preserves food, Christians are meant to enhance the world around them through their faith.
What does 'he that hath ears to hear, let him hear' mean?
The phrase 'he that hath ears to hear, let him hear' is a call for listeners to pay attention and reflect on the teachings being presented. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying the message in their own lives.
How can I apply the message of Luke 14:35 in my life?
To apply the message of Luke 14:35, reflect on how you can be more effective in your faith. Consider ways to positively influence those around you and ensure your actions align with your beliefs.
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