What Does the Bible Say About Being Salt And Light?

Matthew 5:13-16 ESV / 80 helpful votes

“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. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 5:8 ESV / 67 helpful votes

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Colossians 4:6 ESV / 54 helpful votes

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Matthew 5:13 ESV / 47 helpful votes

“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.

John 8:12 ESV / 32 helpful votes

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Luke 14:34 ESV / 32 helpful votes

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?

Ephesians 5:11 ESV / 29 helpful votes

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Matthew 5:1-48 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ...

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV / 27 helpful votes

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Philippians 2:15 ESV / 20 helpful votes

That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Matthew 5:11 ESV / 15 helpful votes

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Matthew 5:8 ESV / 15 helpful votes

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Isaiah 2:1-22 ESV / 14 helpful votes

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. ...

Mark 16:15 ESV / 13 helpful votes

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Mark 9:35-50 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. ...

Matthew 5:6 ESV / 12 helpful votes

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Isaiah 45:1-25 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, ...

Philippians 1:21 ESV / 11 helpful votes

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Luke 14:35 ESV / 11 helpful votes

It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Ephesians 5:8-14 ESV / 10 helpful votes

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. ...

John 12:44-46 ESV / 10 helpful votes

And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

Matthew 28:1-20 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ...

1 Corinthians 1:26 ESV / 9 helpful votes

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

Colossians 4:5-6 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

John 12:35-36 ESV / 8 helpful votes

So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Luke 11:33-36 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”

Matthew 5:27-30 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

Matthew 5:5 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Luke 11:1-54 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, ...

Matthew 5:3-12 ESV / 7 helpful votes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. ...

Matthew 5:1-16 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ...

Ezekiel 43:24 ESV / 7 helpful votes

You shall present them before the Lord, and the priests shall sprinkle salt on them and offer them up as a burnt offering to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Abstain from every form of evil.

Romans 1:18-20 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Matthew 7:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 5:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

John 1:1-9 ESV / 5 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ...

Mark 9:49-50 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For everyone will be salted with fire. 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.”

Matthew 5:10-12 ESV / 5 helpful votes

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Proverbs 22:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

John 3:19-21 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Luke 14:34-35 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Matthew 8:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.

Matthew 5:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Luke 15:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.

47 Bible Verses about Being Salt And Light

Matthew 5:13-16 ESV / 80 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:8 ESV / 67 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 4:6 ESV / 54 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:13 ESV / 47 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 8:12 ESV / 32 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 14:34 ESV / 32 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:11 ESV / 29 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:1-48 ESV / 28 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV / 27 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 2:15 ESV / 20 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:11 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:8 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 2:1-22 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 16:15 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 9:35-50 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:6 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 45:1-25 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 1:21 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 14:35 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:8-14 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 12:44-46 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 28:1-20 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 1:26 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 4:5-6 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 12:35-36 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 11:33-36 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:27-30 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:5 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 11:1-54 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:3-12 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:1-16 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ezekiel 43:24 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 1:18-20 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:7 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 1:1-9 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 9:49-50 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:10-12 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 22:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:19-21 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 14:34-35 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 8:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 15:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Suggest a Verse

Enter a Verse Reference (e.g., John 3:16-17)