King James Bible
"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."
Jesus declares his followers to be salt—a valuable preservative that prevents decay and enhances flavor in the ancient world. This metaphor emphasizes their vital role in preserving moral goodness and bringing out the best in society through their distinctive Christian witness. Jesus poses a rhetorical question about salt losing its saltiness—chemically impossible for pure salt, but Palestinian salt mixed with impurities could become useless. The warning implies that disciples who compromise their distinctive character cannot fulfill their purpose, and nothing can restore their effectiveness once lost. Tasteless salt was thrown onto paths where it would be trampled, serving only to harden the ground. This stark image warns that disciples who abandon their calling face rejection and contempt, becoming worse than useless—obstacles rather than blessings to those around them.