Salt of the Earth

:This is an article about a phrase. For the film, see Salt of the Earth.

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The salt of the earth is a phrase that appears in Matthew's account of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount:

Related Topics:
Matthew - Jesus - Sermon on the Mount

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: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

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The role of salt in Hebrew society during the Old Testament and New Testament periods is key to interpretation of this verse. Salt is a necessity of life and a mineral that was used in Biblical times as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.

Related Topics:
Salt - Old Testament - New Testament

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