Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Meaning and context.">
QuotesCosmos
Create
Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) (See also: Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34, 35)
“

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

— Jesus

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." in the context of "Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) (See also: Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34, 35)" to mean that wisdom is timeless.

Quote Image
Source: Wikiquote: "Jesus" (Quotes from the New Testament, Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 5–7, the Sermon on the Mount) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 30, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Jesus

About Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 BC - AD 30 / 33), also known as Jesus Christ, Yeshua, Yeshu, Jesu and Isa, is the central figure of Christianity, a philosopher and teacher. He is believed to have lived around modern Israel, around 1 AD, and to be the Messiah of ultimate salvation and the Son of God by followers of Christian traditions. Manichaeans, Gnostics, Muslims, Bahá'ís, and others have found prominent places for Jesus in their religions.

Join the Cosmos

Get early access to exclusive tools, save your favorite quotes, and personalize your experience.