Mark 9:50

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Mark 9:50 KJV

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.

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Mark 9:50 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Mark 9:50

Text of Mark 9:50 (KJV): "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."

Introduction

This passage provides profound insights not only into the nature of discipleship but also into the understanding of the character and conduct that should define the Christian community. The metaphor of salt, though simple, carries deep theological and practical implications, which echo throughout scripture.

The Goodness of Salt

Commentators' Insights:

  • Matthew Henry: He emphasizes that salt is an essential commodity. In the context of Christ's teachings, it signifies the virtues of preservation and flavor.
  • Adam Clarke: He points to the dual role of salt in the ancient world: as a preservative and as an enhancer of flavor, implying that the disciples are to preserve purity and enhance the quality of life around them.
  • Albert Barnes: He notes that salt symbolizes the covenant with God, particularly the enduring nature of righteousness that should characterize believers.

Salt Losing Its Saltness

This phrase raises significant theological questions regarding the effectiveness of Christian witness and the necessity of maintaining one's distinct character.

  • Matthew Henry: Provides a warning that neglecting to live according to God’s principles can lead to a dilution of one’s spiritual effectiveness.
  • Albert Barnes: Reflects on the seriousness of losing one’s distinctly Christian qualities, suggesting that such loss could render one ineffective in their mission.
  • Adam Clarke: Suggests that when Christians lose their zeal and distinctiveness, they risk being cast aside, similar to how worthless salt is disposed of.

Have Salt in Yourselves

The call to "have salt in yourselves" serves as an exhortation to embody the principles and teachings of Jesus.

  • Albert Barnes: Interprets this as a call for inner transformation whereby believers cultivate their personal relationship with Christ, leading to mutual peace and harmony.
  • Matthew Henry: Suggests that possessing 'salt' in ourselves denotes an active, living faith that naturally produces a character reflective of Christ's teachings.
  • Adam Clarke: Explores the implications of 'salt' signifying wisdom, which should govern the believer’s life and lead to peaceful interactions.

Peace Among One Another

The concluding exhortation to have peace among one another highlights the relational aspect of Christian living.

  • Albert Barnes: Comments on how inner purity and fervor lead to effective communal living; when believers are grounded in Christ, they cultivate an environment of peace.
  • Matthew Henry: Warns that internal strife among believers undermines their testimony and diminishes their effectiveness as witnesses to the world.
  • Adam Clarke: Emphasizes that the peace among believers should reflect the peace of Christ, which transcends circumstances and fosters unity.

Theological Reflections

The imagery of salt in Mark 9:50 transcends its physical properties and points to larger spiritual truths.

  • Discipleship: The call to "have salt in yourselves" resonates with the call to discipleship, where followers of Christ are tasked with embodying His teachings and effectively serving as agents of change in the world.
  • Community: Peace among believers showcases the witness that the church offers to the world, a reflection of Christ's reconciling work.
  • Preservation: Just as salt preserves food, believers are to preserve the moral and spiritual integrity of society.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Jesus in this verse should prompt serious reflection in the lives of every believer.

  • Self-Examination: Regularly assess one's spiritual fervor and commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.
  • Community Engagement: Actively cultivate peace and harmony within the church and broader community. It is essential to embody the love of Christ in our interactions.
  • Witnessing: As an agent of preservation and flavor, be aware of the influence you wield and how it reflects on the teachings of Christianity.

Conclusion

Mark 9:50 serves as a powerful reminder of the essential qualities that should characterize a follower of Christ. By embodying the virtues symbolized by salt—preservation, flavor, and peace—believers can effectively witness to the transformative power of the gospel in the world.

Mark 9 (KJV) Verse Selection

Mark 9:1 Mark 9:2 Mark 9:3 Mark 9:4 Mark 9:5 Mark 9:6 Mark 9:7 Mark 9:8 Mark 9:9 Mark 9:10 Mark 9:11 Mark 9:12 Mark 9:13 Mark 9:14 Mark 9:15 Mark 9:16 Mark 9:17 Mark 9:18 Mark 9:19 Mark 9:20 Mark 9:21 Mark 9:22 Mark 9:23 Mark 9:24 Mark 9:25 Mark 9:26 Mark 9:27 Mark 9:28 Mark 9:29 Mark 9:30 Mark 9:31 Mark 9:32 Mark 9:33 Mark 9:34 Mark 9:35 Mark 9:36 Mark 9:37 Mark 9:38 Mark 9:39 Mark 9:40 Mark 9:41 Mark 9:42 Mark 9:43 Mark 9:44 Mark 9:45 Mark 9:46 Mark 9:47 Mark 9:48 Mark 9:49 Mark 9:50

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