What does Matthew 5:13 mean?

Explanation

The biblical verse Matthew 5:13, part of the Sermon on the Mount, uses the metaphor of salt to convey the importance and influence followers of Jesus are to have on the world.

In the times of the Bible, salt was a valuable commodity, used for preserving food and adding flavor.

When Jesus refers to His disciples as the "salt of the earth," He implies they are essential to imparting moral guidance and spiritual flavor to the world.

However, should the salt "lose its savour," meaning if the disciples lose their distinctive qualities and commitment to the teachings of Christ, they become ineffective.

The phrase "good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" suggests that without their Christian distinctiveness, followers of Jesus would be as worthless as tasteless salt, discarded and disregarded.

Historical Context

Matthew 5:13 was written in a time when the Roman Empire dominated much of the known world, including the region of Judea.

Salt was not only a culinary ingredient but also a preservative, sometimes used in barter and ritual.

Within the Jewish cultural context, disciples of a teacher or rabbi were meant to learn, embody, and spread their teacher's teachings.

Jesus, speaking to His disciples, used common elements like salt to deliver a relatable yet profound message.

It is important to understand the value of salt at the time; it was essential for daily life, and its ability to prevent decay paralleled the spiritual and moral preservation Jesus expected of His followers.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, salt symbolizes various virtues in different religions and in the Christian faith represents qualities like wisdom, purity, and incorruptibility. The loss of salt's flavor can symbolize a decline in spiritual zeal or moral standards.

Some Christian denominations interpret this verse as a call to engage with society to uphold Christian principles and as a warning against conforming to secular values. Others may see it as emphasizing the unique role and identity Christians must maintain to fulfill their divine purpose.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse inspires believers to actively embody and promote the values taught by Jesus, influencing society positively, much as salt impacts the flavor of food.

It exhorts Christians to maintain their faith and moral integrity, to be agents of change in the world, without becoming diluted by the influences that contradict their beliefs.

Individuals can apply this teaching by volunteering, engaging in meaningful conversations, and upholding ethical standards in professional and personal surroundings.

Cross-References

• Mark 9:50: "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
• Luke 14:34-35: "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 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."

• Colossians 4:6: "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

Language Study

In the original Greek language, the word for "lose its savour" is "μωρανθῇ" (mōranthē) which can mean to become foolish or to become tasteless or insipid.

"Salt" in Greek is "ἅλας" (halas), referring to the mineral. This reflects not just the loss of taste, but also the loss of purpose and effectiveness.

The term "good for nothing" is translated from "εἰς οὐδὲν ἰσχύει" (eis ouden ischyei), literally meaning "it is strong for nothing," indicating a total loss of utility.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, salt often had religious and symbolic significance.

In Greco-Roman religion, salt was a component of sacrifices, and in certain cultures, it represented loyalty and friendship.

Comparatively, in Hinduism, salt is considered auspicious and forms part of rituals and offerings.

The value and symbolism of salt transcend Christianity and demonstrate a universal acknowledgment of its importance across various religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, salt is a stable compound, which means that pure salt cannot actually lose its flavor.

However, when impurities mix with salt, it can appear to lose its taste or become less effective, which may suggest why it was said to be thrown out in the biblical context.

Modern viewers understand the importance of salt in maintaining human health, such as in electrolyte balance and nerve function, symbolizing the necessity of maintaining spiritual health analogously.

Commentaries

Commentators often reflect on this verse in agreement that Jesus' message here is about the distinctive nature and calling of His followers.

John Stott, a prominent Christian leader and commentator, calls this the "influence of Christians in and on the society." Matthew Henry's commentary, another widely respected source, expounds that Christians should affect the world for good, as salt has a preserving and purifying effect on what it touches.

Many modern-day commentaries continue to teach that this verse challenges individuals and the collective Christian community to maintain their distinctiveness as positive influencers in the world.