What Did Christ Mean by "Salt and Light" in the Bible?

The phrase "salt and light" is derived from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew. These metaphors describe Christians' role and influence in the world. Jesus used salt and light several times to refer to the role of His followers in the world. One example is Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” 

Salt had two purposes in the Middle East in the first century. Because of the lack of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, especially meat, which would quickly spoil in the desert environment. Believers in Christ are preservatives to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men whose unredeemed natures are corrupted by sin (Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8).

Salt and Light in the Bible

In the Bible, Jesus tells his followers they are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world." This means that Christians should help make the world a better place. Just like salt adds flavor to food and keeps it from spoiling, Christians should bring goodness and help stop bad things from happening. They are meant to be a positive influence, improving their communities and showing others kindness and love.

Jesus also says that Christians are like light. Light helps people see in the dark; in the same way, Christians should show others how to live good and honest lives. They should act in ways that make the world brighter, like being kind, truthful, and fair. By doing good deeds and living rightly, they help others see the love and goodness of God. Just as a city on a hill can’t be hidden, Christians should let their good actions be seen by everyone.

Salt

Matthew 5:13 (NIV): "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

Explanation: Because of its preservative powers, its necessity for life, and its ability to give flavor, salt had religious and sacrificial significance (Lev. 2:13). To eat salt with someone meant to be bonded together in loyalty. As the salt of the earth, Christians are preservers of God's covenant and give true flavor to the world.

Preservative: In ancient times, salt was used primarily as a preservative to prevent decay. Similarly, Christians are called to prevent moral decay and preserve goodness in society.

Flavor: Salt enhances the flavor of food. Christians are meant to influence and enhance the lives of those around them positively.

Light

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV): "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Explanation: God is the true and uncreated Light. In the Old Testament, light symbolizes God (Isaiah 60:1-3), the divine law (Ps. 118:105), and Israel in contrast to other nations. In the New Testament, the Son of God is called "light" (John 1:4-9, 1 John 1:5). Light is necessary for clear vision and life itself. Faith relies on this divine light, and believers become "sons of light" (John 12:36, 1 Thess. 5:5) who shine in a perverse world (Phil. 2:15).

Illumination: Light provides clarity and guidance in darkness. Christians are called to illuminate the truth and provide moral and spiritual guidance.

Visibility: A city on a hill is visible to all. Similarly, Christians should live visibly righteous lives that serve as an example to others.

Quotes from Well-Known Christians and Commentaries

John Stott (Christian leader and theologian): "The world is like rotting meat. But you are to be the world's salt. The world is like a dark night. But you are to be the world's light. Therefore, you have an indispensable mission: it is to stop the spread of evil and to illuminate the darkness."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Lutheran pastor and theologian): "The followers of Jesus have been called to peace. When he called them they found their peace, for he is their peace. But now they are told that they must not only have peace but make it."

Matthew Henry Bible Commentary: "Christians, and ministers especially, are the salt of the earth. The weak and poor things of the world, and not many mighty or noble, have been thus honored. Salt is a remedy for unsavory meat; it keeps things from corruption. So Christians are the preservatives in the world."

William Barclay Bible Commentary: "Salt was connected with purity, with preservation, and with flavor. The Christian must be the example of purity; he must have a purifying effect on life, and he must lend flavor to life."

Bible Verses about Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13 - “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

Mark 9:50 - Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”