New Testament
Matthew 5:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It's worthless — fit only to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Compare translations
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.
What Matthew 5:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of salt to describe the role of His followers in the world. Salt was essential in ancient times for preserving food and enhancing flavor. By calling His disciples 'the salt of the earth,' Jesus emphasizes their importance in bringing goodness and truth to society. However, He warns that if salt loses its flavor, it becomes useless. This serves as a reminder that believers must maintain their distinctiveness and influence. If they fail to do so, they risk becoming irrelevant and ineffective in their mission. The imagery of being trampled underfoot suggests that those who do not fulfill their purpose will be disregarded. Thus, this verse challenges Christians to actively live out their faith and positively impact the world around them, ensuring they remain true to their calling and mission.
How to apply Matthew 5:13 to your life
As believers, we should strive to live out our faith in a way that positively influences those around us. This means being authentic, showing love, and standing for truth in our daily lives. We must not lose our distinctiveness as followers of Christ.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 5:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
Jesus tells His disciples they are like salt to the earth. Salt has a distinct quality that makes it useful. If it loses that quality, it cannot get it back — there is no way to restore it. At that point it is worthless and gets thrown out and walked on. Jesus is saying His disciples have a real and necessary effect on the world around them, and that effect depends on them staying what they are.
Read It in Context
Jesus is speaking to His disciples on a hillside, right after the Beatitudes (verses 3–12), which described the kind of people His disciples are. This verse is the first of two pictures — salt and then light — that tell those same disciples what they mean to the world.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Matthew 5:13 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 5:13
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
How can salt lose its flavor according to Matthew 5:13?
Salt can lose its flavor when it becomes contaminated or diluted, rendering it ineffective. In a spiritual sense, this can happen when believers compromise their values, fail to live authentically, or become indifferent to their faith. Jesus warns that losing one's distinctiveness as a follower can lead to becoming irrelevant and ineffective in fulfilling their purpose.
What are the consequences of losing one's saltiness?
The consequences of losing one's saltiness, as stated in Matthew 5:13, are serious. Jesus indicates that such salt is 'good for nothing' and is to be cast out and trampled underfoot. This serves as a stark reminder that failing to maintain one's faith and influence can lead to being disregarded and losing the opportunity to impact the world positively.
How can Christians maintain their distinctiveness in today's world?
Christians can maintain their distinctiveness by actively living out their faith through love, integrity, and truthfulness in their daily interactions. This includes standing firm in their beliefs, engaging in acts of kindness, and being a voice for justice and righteousness. By embodying the teachings of Jesus, believers can ensure they remain relevant and impactful in their communities.
What practical steps can I take to be salt in my community?
To be salt in your community, start by getting involved in local service projects, volunteering, or supporting those in need. Build genuine relationships with others, share your faith through actions and words, and advocate for truth and justice. Additionally, strive to live a life of integrity and authenticity, reflecting the love of Christ in all you do.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.